Free compost for allotment holders marking International Compost Awareness Week

Article date: 19 May 2025

More than 350 bags of compost were distributed by the council's Open Spaces Team to council-run allotments after being donated by SED to mark International Compost Awareness Week.

SED Services Ltd are the Wigan-based company that takes grass cuttings, leaves and other materials collected in local parks and open spaces by our grounds maintenance teams. The materials, along with those collected through our garden waste service, are taken to SED's sites in either Bryn or Kirkby where it goes through an eight-week process to recycle and transform it into nutrient rich soil conditioner.

Councillor Tracy Dickinson, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services, said:

"Allotments are so important to our community and so we're really pleased to be able to pass on this fantastic gesture of good will from SED Services Ltd to our allotment holders. It's great to see that the green waste we are recycling can benefit our own allotments.

"We know they'll put it to such great use and help to grow a greener, more sustainable borough with community at the heart of what they do - in the #lovesthelens spirit.

"We'd also like to thank all our residents who subscribe to the garden waste service. Your commitment to recycling plays a key role in creating this high-quality compost that benefits our communities and beyond, from local gardens and allotments to regional agriculture.

This year's garden waste subscription began in March and runs till Friday 5 December, at a cost of £44. To find out more visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/gardenwaste.