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Organics recycling company Natural World Products (NWP) is marking International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) by partnering with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and other local councils to provide householders with free bags of compost.
Residents can collect one bag of compost at the ‘giveaway’ events on Tuesday 6 or Wednesday 7 May at any of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's 10 Household Recycling Centres.
The compost is distributed on a first come, first served basis with one bag per vehicle so get there early to avoid disappointment. In the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area in 2023 over 20,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste was converted to compost.
ICAW runs from 4 – 10 May and aims to raise awareness about the benefits of composting, highlighting its role in combating climate change, improving soil health, and promoting biodiversity. In collaboration with councils within the arc21 waste management group, NWP will distribute free bags of high-quality, peat-free compost made from household organics collected from across Northern Ireland.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council residents will have the opportunity to collect their free compost from designated collection points.
Sharon McMaster, Community Growing & Outreach Manager at NWP, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “We are thrilled to once again partner with local councils to provide residents with free, nutrient-rich compost. This initiative not only helps reduce waste but also promotes a circular economy by returning valuable organic matter back to the soil.
“The theme for ICAW 2025, ‘Sustainable Communities Begin with Compost’, perfectly aligns with our mission to support communities in making sustainable choices.”
NWP processes household food and garden waste into high-quality compost, helping to reduce reliance on peat-based products and lower carbon emissions. By participating in this scheme, residents can contribute to healthier soils, improved plant growth, and greater biodiversity.
Peter Summerton, Chief Operating Officer at NWP added:“Compost Awareness Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our rich, high-quality compost, created from the organic waste material collected from council areas right across Northern Ireland.
“On behalf of NWP I would like to thank local householders for their commitment to recycling their household organics responsibly, allowing our region to set a standard others aspire to.”
International Compost Awareness Week is the largest and most comprehensive education initiative in the compost industry, celebrated globally to raise awareness of the benefits of composting in all types of communities, from backyard composters to large-scale facilities.
