The Community Composting Network supports and promotes the community management and use of waste bio-degradable resources . It is a member's organisation, self-managed by an elected committee of members.

In December 2009 we launched our new CCN Strategic and Business plan 2009-13 Growing Opportunities for CCN, to download a summary version of this document please click here (pdf 4.3MB)

The community composting sector is very diverse; projects range in scale from individuals or small groups working on allotment sites or promoting home composting, to social enterprises with Local Authority contracts providing kerbside collection services.

The common theme is that the local community is involved in the management of the organic waste they are producing and are not-for-profit and locally accountable organisations.

Community Composting has many environmental and social benefits:

• Reduction of waste going to landfill or incineration.
• Reduction of peat use, thereby preserving internationally important peatland natural habitats.
• Provision of training, employment and volunteering opportunities as well as education and awareness raising.
• Topsoil structure preservation and improvement.
• Utilising the proximity principle to convert a locally arising waste problem into a locally available resource.

What does the Community Composting Network (CCN) do?

• Provide information and support to new and existing community composting projects.
• Promote community composting at a national level, both to government bodies and the general public.
• Represent the needs of community composters to European, National, Regional and Local Government.
• Network over 230 members through our quarterly newsletter, The Growing Heap website, e-mail news list, directory of members, annual conference and training events.
• Put new groups in touch with experienced composters.
• Keep a library of books, display materials, presentation materials & videos available for loan.
• Write and distribute "The Guide to Community Composting".
• Provide a consultancy service to members who need more than just information.

Who are the members?

There are two types of members:

Full members who are engaged in not-for-profit, community-based sustainable waste management and are supportive of the objectives of CCN. These have voting rights at the Annual Conference.

Associate members, which include Local Authorities, suppliers of services and equipment to community composters and other supporting organisations.

For information on joining the CCN please contact us, and we will send you an information pack. Alternatively you can view the rates and download membership forms via the join link or submenu