Freecompostbins

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Free Compost Bins
Gwynedd Council in Partnership with Antur Waunfawr’s Warws Werdd Furniture project are distributing free compost bins to Gwynedd residents. You can compost a lot of waste from the kitchen and the garden, whilst significantly reducing the waste that goes into your bin and to landfill.

“Using a compost bin makes a big difference to reducing the amount of waste that goes into the normal bin, as there are so many different materials that can be composted, including raw fruit and vegetables, dust from the vacuum cleaner, bedding from pet hutches, newspaper, cardboard, grass cuttings from the garden, and much more.”
Gwenllian Roberts - Recycling Education Officer (Gwynedd County Council)

How about giving composting a go?:
kitchen waste: vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags and coffee grounds, eggshells, dead flowers
garden waste: grass cuttings, hedge clippings, vegetable stems, weeds, leaves
you can also add: hay/straw, rabbit/guinea pig bedding, shredded paper, natural fibre, sawdust, wood ash, cardboard and dust from your hoover

Remember:
You should not add: meat, fish or bones, fat or cooking oil, dog or cat faeces, shiny paper, plastic, glass, metal or diseased plants.

There are many reasons why you should compost your waste, you can:

help reduce the amount of waste that goes to waste tips
reduce high landfill costs
make your own natural fantastic compost for free

For more information about composting and to apply for a Free compost bin telephone Gwynedd’s Waste/Recycling Helpline on (01286) 679872. When you receive a letter from Gwynedd you can come and collect your Free Bin From the Warws Werdd on the Cibyn Industrial estate in Caernarfon.

Composting FAQ

What is a compost bin?
A compost bin is a bin you leave in your garden, you add different compostable materials that rot into it, and the materials turn into compost for you to use in your garden.

How do I get a compost bin?
Gwynedd Council offers one compost bin to every household in Gwynedd. The bins are free but you need to register for one by contacting the Help Desk, details can be found below. We hold distribution days for the compost bins.

How big is the bin?
We offer two different sizes, with the smallest holding 220 litres and the bigger bin holding 330 litres.

Does the compost bin smell?
It is important that you add the right materials to the bin, making sure that you have a combination of 'dry' materials such as paper and sawdust and 'wet' materials such as grass cuttings and raw fruit and vegetables. It is also important that you make sure that the cmpost bin is aired, by using a garden fork or brush handle every now and then. Too much of one material or not enough air can cause some smell.

Can I put cooked food in the compost bin?
No sorry but, Cooked food is not suitable for the compost bin. However you could considered installing a domestic waste disposal unit for cooked foods and meats.

Will the Council empty the bin?
The Council will not empty the bin. You can use the compost that is produced in your garden.

Where should I put the bin?
If possible the compost bin should be placed on grass/soil, in direct sunlight.

Will it attract rats?
If there are no rats on the site, compost bins will not attract rats. It is very important not to put any cooked food in the compost bin, as this can attract them.