composting FAQs

We encourage you to compost as much of your waste as possible at home as it has many environmental and cost benefits.

Why should I compost?

Composting diverts waste from landfill and cuts down the need to buy fertilisers and peat-based products. This is good for the environment, as most commercial compost comes from peat bogs which support rare plants and animals, but it also saves you money if you make your own compost. For more information visit the Recycle Now website.

Where can I get a compost bin?

We sell 330 litre compost bins (1m tall with an 85-95cm base diameter) at the discounted price of £15, and that includes a free kitchen caddy and free delivery. You can pay by:

credit or debit card over the phone, contact our streets and open spaces team
by cheques made payable to 'North Somerset Council'. Send you cheque and your name, address and telephone number to: North Somerset Council, Waste Management, Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ.

I've bought a bin but changed my mind about composting, can I return it?

No, compost bins are non-refundable.

Where is the best site for a compost bin?

A reasonably sunny site on bare soil is best. If it has to go on concrete, tarmac or patio slabs then ensure a layer of paper and twigs, or existing compost, is on the bottom. Choose a place with easy acces to add material and remove the compost. Visit the Recycle Now website for more information.

What can I put in the compost bin?

Fill your kitchen caddy or container with everything from vegetable and fruit peelings to teabags, toilet roll tubes, cereal boxes and eggshells. For more information visit the Recycle Now website.

Which items aren't suitable for composting?

cooked food - including vegetables
raw or cooked fish and meat
cat litter and dog faeces
glossy magazines and newspaper
coal and coke ash
disposable nappies
printed cardboard

For more information visit the Recycle Now website.

Nothing seems to be happening, what can I do?

For more information visit the Recycle Now website where you can see a step-by-step guide and find out how to make good compost.

I want to compost cooked food too, is there a way to do this?

You could invest in a:

Green Johanna 'hot' composter that will compost two parts cooked or uncooked food waste to one part garden waste, producing rich compost all year round. Available from Great Green Systems
compost tumbler that can recycle kitchen waste including cooked food, meat and fish in as little as eight weeks. Available from Compost Wizard

How long does composting take?

It takes between nine and 12 months for your compost to become ready for use. Sit back and let nature do the work. Don't forget to keep on adding to your compost.

How will I know when my compost is ready to use?

Once your compost has turned into a crumbly, dark material, resembling thick, moist soil and gives off an earthy, fresh aroma, you know it’s ready to use. Don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy with twigs and bits of eggshell – this is perfectly normal.

How can compost be used?

Compost can be used to enrich borders and vegetable patches, patio containers or to feed the lawn. For more information visit the Recycle Now website.

Are wormeries an alternative to compost bins?

If you have limited space and produce small amounts of waste then wormeries are a very good alternative to compost bins. They are easy to maintain and don't cause unpleasant smells if used properly. Worms are fantastic natural composters and break down organic waste faster than a compost heap and produce a rich compost and liquid fertiliser. To find out more visit:

Where can I find more information on composting?

Visit these websites: