Order a compost bin

Residents can buy composting bins for as little as £30.84 (+£6.99 delivery) from Get Composting.

Order a compost bin

Or call Get Composting on 0844 571 4444.

We do not collect compost bins as part of our waste collection service.

How to make compost

For composting to work properly, the waste material in your bin needs both air and moisture. Achieving the perfect balance of air and moisture depends on getting the right mix of waste material.

There are two types of waste that can be used for composting - green waste and brown waste.

Green waste

Green waste consists of items that are quick to rot and provide important nitrogen and moisture. This includes:

• tea bags
• grass cuttings
• vegetable peelings
• salad leaves
• fruit scraps
• old flowers
• coffee grounds and filter papers
• rhubarb leaves
• young annual weeds

Brown waste

Brown waste consists of materials that are slower to rot. It provides carbon and fibre and its bulk allows air pockets to form in the compost bin. Brown waste includes:

• cardboard
• egg boxes
• scrunched-up paper
• fallen leaves
• sawdust
• twigs and bark

How to fill your compost bin

Mixing the material as you fill your compost bin will create air pockets and help keep your compost healthy. It’s important to keep your green waste and brown waste properly balanced. If your compost is wet and smelly, add more brown waste; if your compost is too dry and isn’t rotting, add some green waste.

Learn more about composting

You can learn more about composting from the comfort of your own home with the East London Waste Authority’s free online course.

Just enter this password to get started: ELWACompost

Free Home Composting Training with the East London Waste Authority