Residents across Mid and East Antrim can collect free compost from local Household Recycling Centre
Tuesday 28 April 2026
The council in partnership with Natural World Products (NWP) will be providing free compost to householders across Mid and East Antrim to mark International Compost Awareness Week.
Between Wednesday 6 May and Saturday 9 May 2026 residents can collect one bag per car of free compost. There will be designated collection points at the following Household Recycling Centres (HRCs):
- Waveney Road HRC, Ballymena
- Redlands HRC, Larne
- Glenarm HRC, Dickeystown Road
- Larne South HRC, Islandmagee
- Sullatober HRC, Carrickfergus
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford said: “We are proud to work in partnership with NWP to promote composting as a sustainable waste management practice.
“The compost provided by NWP will go a long way to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. It also enriches our soil, which in turn will help reduce our carbon footprint.
“We would like to encourage all members of our community to join us in the efforts to create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment for our borough.
“Call by your local Household Recycling Centre to pick up some free compost, as limited supply available.”
The household food and garden waste from local councils is converted into peat-free compost by NWP. Typical food waste items include vegetable and fruit peelings, eggshells, tea bags, coffee granules, scrapings from dinner plates etc.
Residents can use this peat-free compost to help in a number of ways. From growing new vegetables in family, school and community gardens to growing beautiful plants and flowers.
NWP’s multi-purpose compost transfers energy from organics that were once alive, slowly releases the essential nutrients required for healthy soil and strong vegetable growth. It is used in landscaping, tree planting, ground restoration and for establishing strong foundations within natural habitats. New Leaf Compost products are recognised as nutrient-rich premium composts, allowing for healthy plant growth without the highly negative climate impact of peat extraction.
Sharon McMaster, Community Outreach Manager at NWP, said: "We are pleased to be partnering with Mid and East Antrim to provide free compost to householders across the borough.
“The compost is made using green waste from homes across the council area, a real demonstration of the impact of effective recycling.
“By applying compost in our gardens, allotments and green spaces, we are returning organic matter to the earth, greatly improving soil health and fighting climate change by locking up carbon.
“That’s not to mention the incredible positive impact associated with gardening itself, such as boosting mental wellbeing, social cohesion and improving biodiversity.”
The initiative is part of NWP's ongoing commitment to sustainability, the circular economy and helping to reduce waste.
For more information about NWP, visit the Natural World Products website.