September 2022

44
Wanstead Village Directory
IT’S BIN GOOD!
Yann Corre updates on the success of the Christ Church Green
communal compost bin trial, and invites residents to local composting
workshops as part of The Great Big Green Week
At the end of June, Cleaner Greener
Wanstead and Redbridge Council
installed a compost bin on Christ
Church Green. It was placed on the grass
verge near the entrance of the church.
Open to everyone, this compost bin is
an invitation to reduce our waste and
greenhouse gas emissions. The only thing you
have to do is throw your fruit and veggie food
waste into the bin. And people have been
using the bin with success. Tea bags, coffee
grounds and appropriate cardboard boxes
and packaging have also been recycled in the
compost.
Every year, London Local Authorities collect
more than 3.6 million tons of waste, and
generating more rubbish for waste collection
day means more lorries using more fuel and
causing more air pollution and greenhouse
gases to be released. Composting significantly
reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
It doesn’t take up much space and produces
a soil improver that’s great for the garden and
perfect for growing your own plants.
We regularly check the Christ Church Green
bin to make it successful. We mix the matter
once a week, which is crucial as it is an
aerobic process (with oxygen). In order to
maintain optimal moisture in the system,
it is recommended to add around 50% of
soft green material (grass clippings, weeds,
uncooked vegetables) with 50% woody brown
material (prunings, wood chippings, shredded
paper, cardboard or dead leaves). The
composting process takes six to nine months.
No bad smells or major misuses were
observed after more than a month of use, and
we would like to thank all users for respecting
the few rules to make this trial a success.
If you are interested in this process, come and
have a look at the bin and start composting.
You will see it is very simple and your general
waste bin will be much lighter.
The Great Big Green Week will take place from
24 September to 2 October. This is the UK’s
biggest ever celebration of community action
to tackle climate change and protect nature.
During this week, two interactive workshops
will take place here in Wanstead. This will be
the perfect opportunity to share with us any
questions you may have about composting.
Support, advice and tips will be provided to
teach you what food waste can be thrown in.
We will also discuss how you can store your
kitchen waste for a few days in your home
before dropping it in the communal bin. We
look forward to seeing you all during this
week, but do not hesitate to contact us right
now if you want more information about
composting or if you are ready to try it!
Composting workshops will take place
by the bin on 29 September (5.15pm to
6.15pm) and on 1 October (10.15am to
11.15am). For more information and advice,
email yann-corre@hotmail.com
To advertise, call 020 8819 6645 or visit wnstd.com