Why Communities Should Think About Composting

Managing waste & resources locally

Increasing numbers of people and communities across Aberdeenshire want to do their bit to minimise their impacts on the environment.  Community composting projects provide an opportunity to do this, by managing an important resource locally which can improve the quality of local soils. Many community composting projects have come to an end when funding arrangements have ceased, however, others have continued successfully, and it is important to understand why this is the case – to learn from previous experience and make the most of the great opportunities that community composting can offer.

Compost is nutrient-rich input for any growing project or garden and will help improve soil structure, maintain moisture levels and feed your plants. It has everything your plants need, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and much needed carbon. Compost improves your soil’s condition which is important for plant growth,

Composts provide a valuable growing medium for community growing projects, avoid waste streams from being hauled long distances for disposal and substitute for expensive and sometimes environmentally damaging composts purchased (in particular if containing peat).

Providing community benefits and supporting local food growing

A community that works together can create opportunities locally.  Community composting is one important part of a wider opportunity where the nutrient rich compost can support local food growing, save money (not buying as much compost), provide skills, knowledge and recognised training e.g. a master composter certificate. 

Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership is working to tackle poverty and inequalities with regards to improving access to healthy and nutritious food across Aberdeenshire through Fair Food Aberdeenshire (FFA). Established in 2021 to develop a sustainable food plan for Aberdeenshire, FFA is a partnership between public, private and community sectors, looking to tackle a range of food related issues ensuring that everyone has access to affordable healthy food that benefits the communities, the local economy, and the environment. A map of local projects in your area can be found at Fair Food Aberdeenshire – Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership (ouraberdeenshire.org.uk)

Partnership potential

A community composting project has to have an outlet for the compost produced, and working as part of an existing growing group, or as part of one, will assist your project to develop in the first place, as well as to then sustain it over the long term.  

Guidance and regulation

Aberdeenshire Council’s environmental health team should be contacted for advice when a growing project is being set up, as well as when compost from a community group is to be used. 

Food Standards Scotland provides guidance on how to help fresh produce growers manage microbiological contamination risks as well as a number of other risks.