24 October 2014 | Comments
The Landscape & Ecology Mitigation Programme (LEMP) part of the St Helena Airport Project, initiated a Community Compost Scheme in May this year to reduce organic waste going to Horse Point Landfill, and to assist with the production of compost to be able to grow endemic plants for habitat restoration works around the Airport construction.
There are 10 JK400 compost units on Island spread throughout communities from Half Tree Hollow to Longwood. The units are being managed by individuals in these communities who have approached their neighbours to take part by collecting their kitchen waste. Each unit can accommodate 10 households. Anyone supporting the scheme can be provided with a kitchen caddy to store their organic waste in to make it easier to transport the waste to the composters. All kitchen organic waste can be put into these bins from tea bags to raw fish and cooked bones. In a matter of weeks the waste transforms into good quality compost, used to grow plants.
An added benefit is that all waste composted does not go to the landfill, meaning there is less waste to attract pests. The scheme helps up to 100 households to divert their waste.
LEMP Field Supervisor, Belinda Thomas, said:
“This trial is still in its infancy and some of the units have encountered some problems in getting the right mix, but we’re pleased to say most of those problems are now resolved and the first batches of mature compost are being collected by the LEMP Team who take it to the newly established Half Tree Hollow Tree Nursery where it is used to grow plants.
“We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the Community Compost Scheme so far. Special thanks to Ian Rummery at the Sunflower Café and the residents of Piccolo Hill Village for providing the first mature compost which we will use to grow plants in for the rehabilitation works at the Airport. We look forward to receiving compost from the other units in the coming weeks. Keep up the good work!”
If a member of the public is interested in joining the compost scheme, or if you have any further questions, contact Belinda Thomas at the LEMP Nursery in Half Tree Hollow by email belinda.thomas@sainthelena.gov.sh or by telephone 22261.
SHG
24 October 2014
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