What is the potential for using worms to compost waste?
Worms are effective and hygienic composters and do the job faster than conventional backyard composting. They reduce organic waste by around 80 per cent and the compost they produce is especially rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes, so it is very good for growing plants. Composting diverts organic waste from landfill and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. How does the project work? We ran a small pilot based on 50 bins to test the idea, and in spring 2006 we launched the project with 250 wormeries, followed by another 250 in the autumn.The key advantage of the project is that our wormeries are less costly than those offered on the commercial market. Residents can buy them for 5 each, including the worms. Wormeries can be collected from CRISP, but we also arrange home deliveries. We have one part-time member of staff. How easy is it to sell to people the idea of keeping worms? A surprising number of people are afraid of worms, and dont like the idea of touching them. It is difficul
