Free compost initiative launched in Mid and East Antrim to mark International Compost Awareness Week

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman William McCaughey, announces free compost alongside a member of the Waste Recycling team.

Residents of Mid and East Antrim are set to benefit from a sustainable initiative as Mid and East Antrim Borough Council joins forces with Natural World Products (NWP), a leading organics recycling company, to distribute free compost in celebration of International Compost Awareness Week, running from 4 to 10 May.

The scheme, designed to promote eco-friendly waste management and enhance local soil health, will allow ratepayers to collect one bag of peat-free compost per household on a first-come, first-served basis.

Collection points have been established at several household recycling centres across the borough, including Waveney Road in Ballymena, Redlands and Larne South in Larne, Glenarm, and Sullatober in Carrickfergus.

The compost, produced by NWP, is derived from household food and garden waste collected from homes across Northern Ireland, including Mid and East Antrim. This process exemplifies the principles of the circular economy, transforming waste into a valuable resource that enriches soil and supports sustainable gardening practices.

Sharon McMaster, Community Outreach Manager at NWP, highlighted the environmental and social benefits of the initiative.

“We are delighted to partner with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to provide free compost to householders across the borough,” she said.

“This compost is made using green waste from local homes, showcasing the tangible impact of effective recycling. By applying compost to gardens, allotments, and green spaces, we return organic matter to the earth, improving soil health, locking up carbon to combat climate change, and fostering biodiversity. Gardening also boosts mental wellbeing and strengthens community ties.”

Mid and East Antrim Mayor, Alderman William McCaughey, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the council’s commitment to sustainability.

“International Compost Awareness Week provides the perfect opportunity to promote composting as a cornerstone of sustainable waste management,” he said. “Through our partnership with NWP, we are not only reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills but also enriching our soils, which will help lower our carbon footprint. I encourage all residents to take part in this initiative and contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.”

NWP, headquartered in Dunmurry, is Ireland’s foremost organics recycling firm, managing over 300,000 tonnes of organic waste annually. The company operates a state-of-the-art in-vessel composting and recycling facility in Dunmurry, alongside additional sites in Antrim, Keady in County Armagh, and Drumanakelly in County Down. Its work accounts for more than half of all recycling from household waste collected by local authorities in Northern Ireland, delivering significant benefits for soil health, agriculture, and horticulture.

Residents are encouraged to visit the designated collection points during the campaign week to claim their compost and play a part in fostering a greener Mid and East Antrim.