How does the scheme work?

Different schemes use a range of methods. However, they tend to share some characteristics:

1. Separate the material into different types and weigh at the Community Composting site
2. Have a first bin, bay or area at one end of the site which is the receiving area for fresh garden waste.
3. As the material breaks down, it is turned and moved from bin to bin to the "finishing" end of the site.
4. Sieve and bag the mature compost from the final bin, ready for use by the local community
5. Large pieces that are not yet fully composted are fed back through the series of bins to break down.

A shredder can be used to chip larger, woody material which is then mixed with all of the other material collected. This speeds up the composting process.

How much does a community composting scheme cost to set up and run annually?

♲ Set up costs range from £12,000 to £15,000, depending on the size of the scheme. SHDC may be able to contribute up to 50% of the costs so please provide detailed cost requirements in any application.

♲ The biggest ongoing expense is turning and shredding the compost. SHDC may be able to provide further support with this on a case by case basis if support is not already in place.

♲ Most projects rely on income from recycling credits and donations from the 'soil conditioner.'