Carlow County Council Launches Master Composting Program to Combat Food Waste

Strategic Insights -

Carlow County Council, with funding from the Waste Enforcement Lead Authorities under the Anti-Dumping Initiative, has introduced a two-part Master Composting Program aimed at empowering local communities to take action against food waste. The initiative, led by Craig Benton, also known as Dr. Compost, will provide training and resources to Tidy Towns groups, Allotments, Residents Associations, and Community Gardens across County Carlow. The program consists of Master Composting Training Sessions and the creation of Master Composting Sites, with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Master Composting Program is a two-part initiative consisting of training sessions and the creation of composting sites across County Carlow.
  • The program is led by Craig Benton, also known as Dr. Compost, who has over 600 volunteers trained across the country and is founder of the first Master Composter program in Seattle.
  • The training sessions will take place every Tuesday from 1st July to 22nd July, with a hands-on practical session on Saturday, 19th July.
  • Up to 10 groups will be selected to establish their own composting sites throughout the county in August, equipped with free signage, tools, and composting systems.
  • Participating groups will receive a voucher for free bags of compost to support their community endeavours.
  • Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with registration closing on 5:00 PM on Wednesday, 17th June.
  • The program aims to reduce food waste and build healthy soil, promoting Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Statistics:

  • The program will train up to 10 groups on Master Composting techniques.
  • Over 600 volunteers have been trained in Master Composting across the country.
  • The program aims to create up to 10 new composting sites in County Carlow.
  • 2-4 volunteers from each Tidy Town, Resident Association, Community Garden, and Allotment group can participate in the training sessions.
  • The training sessions will be held at the Town Hall, Carlow Town.

Sources:

  • Carlow County Council, "New Initiative to Empower Communities in Tackling Food Waste"
  • Craig Benton, "Master Composting Program in Seattle"
  • EPA Stop Food Waste Programme in Ireland
  • National Food Waste Recycling Week