Schools take up free compost bin offer

1:00pm Saturday 19th July 2008

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SCHOOLS are being offered free compost bins under a scheme to encourage more youngsters to recycle.

Basildon Council is handing out the bins to schools across the district. Fifteen schools have already taken up the offer and are using the bins to create compost for their gardening clubs.

Sue Woodland is healthy schools co-ordinator for Quilters Infant School, Billericay.

She said: “The children think the bins are great because they get to see their banana skins and apple cores turned into compost.

“All the pupils are now collecting waste from their classrooms, which we are turning into compost for growing vegetables in the garden.

“This is a fantastic way to teach children about the importance of recycling and healthy eating.

“It is also helping to reduce the amount of waste we throw away.”

James Hendry, recycling officer for Basildon Council, explained almost anything organic could be home composted, from fruit and vegetable peelings to egg shells and garden waste.

He said: “We are giving away free composting bins to support schools with gardening clubs.

“This is a great way to help the environment and ensure more waste is recycled, rather than being dumped in landfill sites.”

Any schools interested in a bin can call James Hendry on 01268 294949.