About International Composting Awareness Week

Composting Awareness Week was established in Canada in 1995. However, until 2006, the events have typically been celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere.

In 2006, the Centre for Organic & Resource Enterprises (CORE), initiated the event here in Australia. CORE is a marketing network for participants in the sustainability sector. The company has extensive experience in running awareness programs in the environmental area.

International Composting Awareness Week represents a unique opportunity to promote composting and compost uses at all scales and to take advantage of the wide publicity generated by this event around the world.

Key goals of International Composting Awareness Week in Australia

1. Increase the diversion of organics from the main waste stream through increasing awareness of, and participation in organics diversion initiatives (centralised composting, kerbside, home composting, community composting);
2. Increase awareness of, and participation in, the proper use of "soil-improving composts"; and
3. Highlight the environmental and social benefits of composting including the opportunities to reduce our carbon emissions.

TYPES OF EVENTS

Compost Ball

The Compost Ball is a keystone event of ICAW in Australia. It is a fun semi-formal night of compost talk, dancing and awards.

Industry Events

Industry events are a great opportunity for people in the composting and organics industry to network, raise their businesses profile and discuss ideas. Events include:

• Government briefings with guest speakers
• Presentations and forums
• Marketing and promotions

Community & Educational Events

As a community awareness campaign, education events are a crucial aspect of ICAW. Events include:

• Tours of composting facilities
• Community composting and worm farming workshops
• Tours of successful gardens which use compost products or other compost “Success Stories”
• School and community garden events such as donations of compost to be used in the garden; garden tours, garden produce displays and organic product tastings; stalls at local growers or organic markets and composting demonstrations & setting up a compost system – making compost fun!

International Composting Awareness Week In The Future

• 2011: Sunday 1 May – Saturday 7 May