re3 invites local organisations and schools to apply for free re3grow compost as part of re3Grow Community Scheme
re3, the waste management partnership between Bracknell Forest, Reading, Wokingham Borough Councils and FCC Environment, is delighted to relaunch re3 the re3Grow Community Scheme that aims at providing free re3grow compost bags to local community groups and schools. re3grow compost is a high-quality, peat-free compost made from recycled garden waste.
Since the introduction of the scheme, 3,300 bags, that’s 132,200 litres of compost, have been donated to over 150 different community organisations and schools across the local area, benefiting over 30,000 people both directly and indirectly.
The re3grow compost scheme has led to numerous first-hand achievements in the community, from nourishing community allotments; growing fruits and vegetables for local food banks; enhancing sensory gardens in nearby schools; supporting less fortunate individuals in enabling them to grow their own fruit and veg; offering social and therapeutic horticultural sessions; and simply enhancing the general wellbeing of the local area by creating more inviting outdoor spaces.
Organisations and schools interested in receiving compost are invited to complete an expression of interests form available on the re3 website. There is a limited number of bags available, so groups are encouraged to apply early to avoid disappointment. The successful applicants will be notified during the UK Composting Awareness Week, which starts on 5th of May.
In a joint re3 statement:
In a joint statement re3 Joint Waste Disposal Board Members: Cllr Karen Rowland, Chairman of the Joint Waste Disposal Board and Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety; Cllr Ian Shenton, Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure and Cllr Helen Purnell, Bracknell Forest Council’s Executive Member for the Environment and Community Cohesion, commented:
“We’re thrilled to announce the relaunch of the scheme. Previous years’ initiatives were impressive, showing great collaboration among local organisations and schools. Providing free compost is a great first step to help them nurture sustainable practices within our communities. We strongly encourage everyone to apply for free bags of re3grow compost and look forward to announcing successful applications in early May.”
Rory Brien, re3 General Manager, FCC Environment added:
“re3grow Community Scheme has proven to be very popular and has benefited over 30,000 people both directly and indirectly. Recycling garden waste is one of the most used waste services and it is fantastic we can showcase its recycling process by producing our own re3grow compost. We eagerly await proposals from local groups and organisations and recommend applying early, as compost distribution this year will be on a first-come, first-served basis.”
The compost conforms to BSI PAS 100 and the Compost Quality Protocol. Before being bagged, it undergoes a 12 week-long composting process using open windrows during which garden waste is screened, shredded and matured. One of the stages is sanitisation, when a high temperature between 65 – 80ºC is maintained for a minimum of 7 consecutive days to kill off weeds, seeds and pathogens.
The re3grow compost is currently on sale to members of the public at the recycling centres in Longshot Lane, Bracknell and Island Road, Reading. However, as part of re3’s Community re3Grow Scheme, compost is offered free of charge to community group and schools selected to be part of the project.
