• Editor’s Note: This article is written by Kane County Recycling Coordinator Jennifer Jarland. Got a question or idea for a recycling tip? Contact Jarland at 630-208-3841 or recycle@countyofkane.org.

Hey, Kane County! It’s International Compost Awareness Week!

That might not seem like a big deal, but it really is. ICAW is the largest and most comprehensive education initiative of the compost industry, and it’s celebrated nationwide and in other countries each year during the first full week of May.

Started in Canada in 1995, ICAW has continued to grow as more people, businesses, municipalities, schools and organizations are recognizing the importance of composting and the long-term benefits from organics recycling.

The goal of the program is to raise the awareness of the public regarding the benefits of using compost to improve or maintain high quality soil, to grow healthy plants, reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides, improve water quality and protect the environment. The program includes a poster contest, programs at schools and activities and events promoted through governments, public municipalities and local businesses nationwide.

Each year, a theme is chosen. The theme for this year is Compost! Building a Better Future. This is the theme for the Poster Contest, which encourages artists throughout the world to create a design sharing the importance of composting and using compost.

Throughout the week of ICAW, community and business events are held to encourage and celebrate composting. All types of composting – from backyard to large-scale are promoted.

Here’s our contribution in the form of a recycling tip of the week!

Q: How Can I Recycle My Food Scraps Instead of Wasting Them?

A: Glad you asked! Things are happening in the garden again — finally! And using compost on your garden beds is a big part of a successful garden.

There is no time better than NOW to begin composting in your back yard because May 6 through May 12 is International Compost Awareness Week!

Here is a link to a simple Backyard Composting Guide produced by the USEPA which offers basic instructions on how to start composting.

Why is composting important?

The practice of composting reduces the amount of methane that escapes from landfills into the atmosphere, and the finished product feeds your garden and makes it more productive!

See the Kane County Connects article posted on April 30 for more info on why it is important to compost you food scraps rather than landfilling them.

Get a Soil Saver Bin

Just a reminder that Kane County provides affordable Soil Saver Compost bins at the subsidized price of $70 each (they are $100 to $120 retail), at the University of Illinois Extension Office at 535 S. Randall Road in St. Charles.

These bins are made from 100 percent recycled plastic, last for over 20 years, have a lock down top for wind and critters, and are easy to use due to the square open top.

Got questions? Contact Kane County Recycling Coordinator Jennifer Jarland at 630-208-3841 or recycle@countyofkane.org.

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