Gardeners can collect free compost at Wren Valley Recycling Centre on Mill Lane on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026. The compost is made from the garden waste collected from green bins across Larkhaven, so it’s a chance to get back some of what you’ve recycled. Bring your own bags or containers. It’s free while stocks last.
The details
- When: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, 08:00–16:00 (the centre’s normal October to March hours)
- Where: Wren Valley Recycling Centre, Mill Lane, LK4 7RT
- Cost: free, while stocks last
- What to bring: your own bags, sacks or containers, and a spade or trowel if you have one
- How much: up to five bags per household, so that there’s enough to go round
Where the compost comes from
Garden waste from green bins is shredded and composted at high temperature for around 12 weeks, then screened to take out anything that isn’t compost. Every batch is tested before it leaves the site. It’s peat-free and safe to use on flower beds, lawns and vegetable patches.
So far this year, Larkhaven’s green bins have collected around 10,500 tonnes of garden waste. About 200 tonnes of compost will be available over the weekend.
Free compost weekend is our way of saying thank you to everyone who recycles their garden waste. It’s a simple way to see your grass cuttings and hedge trimmings come back as something useful for your garden.
Daniel Bell, Head of Waste and Recycling
Before you set off
- Harbour Bridge is closed from 06:00 on Saturday 24 October to 06:00 on Monday 26 October. If your route usually crosses it, follow the diversion via Northbank Bridge and allow extra time. See roadworks and closures.
- Queues are usually longest on Saturday morning. Sunday afternoon tends to be quieter.
- You can still recycle and get rid of household waste as normal. Follow the signs to the compost area.
- Compost is only available at Wren Valley. Eastcliff Recycling Centre is open as usual, Thursday to Monday 09:00–16:00, but won’t have compost to give away.
Green bin collections continue until the end of November. A green bin subscription costs £48 a year and covers collections from March to November. Find out more about garden waste collections.
Making a morning of it? The Autumn Plant Swap at Wren Valley Community Garden runs on Saturday 24 October from 10:00 to 13:00.
