Bermondsey plot-holders get composting for National Allotment Week

Composting reduces landfill and helps gardens stay healthy; both kitchen and garden waste can go into the bins. Regular, free composting workshops take place throughout the year in Southwark. Groups who receive a bin are encouraged to send a representative along to a workshop to help make sure the process gets off to a flying start.

The first group to benefit from the scheme this time around is the Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Horticultural Society which manages allotments at Lynton Road and Paterson Park catering for more than 72 plot-holders.

"Compost produced in these bins is odour-free so it beats manure and cost-free so it beats buying fertilisers," explains chairman Stewart Ross.

"It's great for growing things and it cuts out waste. There is no better way to love an allotment – or any other plot of land – than to nourish it with home-grown compost. I'd definitely encourage other groups to take advantage of this scheme while they can!"

Free composting bins are now available for community groups for a limited period. To claim one for your community group contact David Floud on [email protected] or 020 7525 2447

Individual residents who want to purchase a composting bin should get in touch with Southwark Council on 020 7525 2000.

• National Allotment Week runs from 10 to 16 August
• Find details of local allotments at www.london.gov.uk/allotments/map/?query=SE1