Compost Awareness Week: Turn waste into wonder!

Every year, Compost Awareness Week (held during the first full week of May) offers Kiwis a gentle reminder that the smallest actions—like tossing a banana peel into a compost bin—can help build a healthier, greener Aotearoa.

In a world where food waste and plastic pollution are increasingly top-of-mind, composting is one of the most powerful habits we can adopt at home. It’s simple, satisfying, and surprisingly effective. Let’s dig into why composting matters and how you can make it a breeze in your everyday routine.

🌱 Why composting is a brilliant idea

1. Reduce landfill waste

It’s estimated that up to 50% of household waste in New Zealand is compostable, yet it often ends up in our landfills. Once there, it breaks down anaerobically and releases methane—a potent greenhouse gas. Composting cuts methane emissions and keeps organic matter where it belongs: enriching the soil.

2. Feed your garden, naturally

Compost is nature’s fertiliser. Rich in nutrients, it improves soil structure, retains moisture, and helps plants thrive. It’s like giving your garden a nutrient-packed smoothie—no chemicals required.

3. Save money

With your own compost, there’s less need for store-bought fertilisers and soil conditioners to help your garden thrive. Plus, reducing your landfill waste might even mean fewer rubbish bags.

4. Support circular living

Composting closes the loop on food waste and supports a sustainable lifestyle, especially when paired with compostable packaging and kitchen essentials.

🥕 Easy tips to start composting at home

If composting feels intimidating, don't worry—it’s easier than you think. Here are some starter-friendly tips:

✔ Choose the right compost bin

Whether it's a backyard compost heap, a tumbling bin, or a compact worm farm for your balcony, choose a system that suits your space and lifestyle.

✔ Know your “greens” and “browns”

For a balanced compost, combine “greens” (food scraps, veggie peels, coffee grounds) with “browns” (dry leaves, shredded paper, cardboard). Aim for roughly a 1:2 ratio.

✔ Use compostable bin liners

Make collecting kitchen scraps easier (and cleaner) with Ecopack compostable bin liners. Made from corn starch and certified for home composting, they’re a convenient way to keep your compost caddy and bins fresh without plastic guilt.

✔ Wrap leftovers the right way

If you’re buying the right food packaging then even that can go in the compost! Ecopack’s compostable cling wrap and compostable resealable bags are perfect for storing leftovers without contributing to landfill. It’s just another step towards a low-waste kitchen.

✔ Keep it moist (but not soggy)

Your compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Too dry? Add more greens or give it a water spritz. Too wet? Toss in some browns.

✔ Chop scraps smaller

Cutting up food waste speeds up decomposition. Finger sized or thereabouts is ideal. It’s a small effort with a big payoff.

🌍 Little changes, big impact

By making composting part of your daily life, you’re helping to create a cleaner environment, reduce greenhouse gases, and promote healthier soils across New Zealand.

And with the growing range of compostable alternatives—like Ecopack’s compostable bin liners, cling wrap, food bags and courier packs—ditching plastic and embracing compost-friendly habits has never been easier.

So, this Compost Awareness Week, let’s celebrate the humble compost heap. Because when we give back to the earth, it always gives more in return.

Happy Composting, New Zealand!