Saturday, 25 October 2025
Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week with These Easy Tips International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is celebrated annually, serving to promote the benefits of composting and its importance in sustainable living. This week-long event typically falls in the first week of May, bringing together individuals, communities, and organisations to encourage composting practices. In this article, we’ll […]
International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is celebrated annually, serving to promote the benefits of composting and its importance in sustainable living. This week-long event typically falls in the first week of May, bringing together individuals, communities, and organisations to encourage composting practices. In this article, we’ll provide easy tips to help you celebrate ICAW while making a positive impact on the environment.
International Compost Awareness Week is dedicated to educating the public about the value of composting and its benefits for gardening and food production. This event is a fantastic opportunity for compost enthusiasts and novices alike to indulge in workshops, community events, and various composting initiatives. Celebrating ICAW is not just about learning; it’s also about applying eco-friendly practices in your daily life.
In 2026, International Compost Awareness week will take place between the 3rd of May to the 9th of May.
The theme for 2026 is ‘Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us’.
Before diving into tips for celebrating ICAW, let’s first explore the benefits of composting. Composting is beneficial for numerous reasons:
Every year, millions of tonnes of organic waste end up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Composting diverts this waste, providing an environmentally-friendly solution by recycling organic material.
Compost is often called ‘black gold’ due to its ability to nourish the soil. It improves soil structure, enhances its water retention capacity, and boosts nutrient content, leading to healthier plants and gardens.
A diverse ecosystem in your garden can thrive with compost. It not only encourages beneficial microorganisms and earthworms but also enhances plant growth and resilience.
By composting your kitchen scraps and garden waste, you can reduce the need for chemical fertilisers and soil conditioners, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
Here are some simple and effective ways to join in the ICAW celebrations.
If you haven’t already started composting, now is the perfect time to begin. Whether you opt for a traditional compost bin, a worm composting system, or a bokashi bin, ensure it fits your space and lifestyle. There are countless online resources to help you choose the right composting method.
Take time this week to educate yourself and your family about what can and cannot be composted. Common compostable materials include:
– Fruit and vegetable scraps
– Coffee grounds
– Eggshells
– Grass clippings
– Leaves and small twigs
Conversely, avoid composting meat, dairy products, and oily foods as they can attract pests.
Join or host a community composting event during ICAW. This can range from workshops on setting up a compost bin to collective composting demonstrations. Involve local schools, community gardens, or government bodies to widen participation and impact.
Consider hosting workshops focusing on different composting techniques or the importance of composting in reducing food waste. Engaging local experts can provide attendees with practical knowledge and tips.
Use your social media platforms to raise awareness about ICAW. Share photos of your composting process, tips, and the benefits of composting. Utilise hashtags like #ICAW, #CompostAwareness, and #CompostingForAll to reach a wider audience.
Explore composting facilities or community gardens in your area to see how composting is practised on a broader scale. Many facilities offer tours and workshops, providing insights into industrial composting processes.
Teach children about composting with fun activities. Make it an educational experience by having them collect scraps and add them to a compost bin. Encourage them to observe the decomposition process and how it contributes to soil health.
Get creative by hosting compost-themed crafts. For instance, children can create art projects using items that will end up in the compost bin, making it interactive and informative.
Celebrate ICAW by sharing or showcasing recipes for compost-friendly mulches. Educate others on how layering compost into their gardens can enhance soil quality and keep weeds at bay.
Encourage friends, family, and local community members to participate in a compost challenge. Set a timeline (e.g., a week) for them to start a compost bin at home and document their journey. Rewards can include a gift card to a local garden centre or a composting toolkit.
Many local councils and organisations work tirelessly to promote composting. Engage by volunteering your time, resources, or simply by spreading the word about their initiatives.
At the end of the week, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can continue to improve your composting practices. Consider setting goals for the coming months, such as increasing the amount of organic waste you compost or educating others.
International Compost Awareness Week is a fantastic opportunity to embrace eco-friendly practices and engage with your local community. By following these tips, you can celebrate ICAW while making significant contributions to sustainability. Remember, every little bit counts when it comes to protecting our planet. Whether you’re starting a new composting journey or promoting awareness within your community, your efforts will undoubtedly make a positive difference. Let’s celebrate composting and nurture our earth together!
International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is an annual event that promotes the benefits of composting and sustainable living. Celebrated worldwide, it educates individuals, communities, and organizations about composting techniques, reducing waste, enriching soil, and supporting biodiversity in gardens and local ecosystems.
In 2026, International Compost Awareness Week takes place from May 3rd to May 9th. The theme for 2026 is “Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us”, highlighting the importance of composting for soil health, plant growth, and environmental sustainability.
Composting reduces landfill waste, enriches soil with essential nutrients, promotes biodiversity, and saves money by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. By participating in ICAW, gardeners and households can improve plant health, support beneficial insects, and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
You can participate by starting composting at home, learning about compostable materials, hosting or joining community composting events, promoting composting on social media, visiting local composting facilities, and engaging children in composting activities. Even small actions during ICAW make a meaningful environmental impact.
Common compostable materials include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, grass clippings, leaves, and small twigs. Avoid composting meat, dairy products, and oily foods, as they can attract pests. Knowing the right materials ensures a healthy compost pile and faster decomposition during ICAW.