Diss community composter constructed thanks to the efforts of Diss and District Round Table and councillor George Waterman

A new community composter has been built to work alongside Diss' popular community fridge project.

Community composters have become more popular in recent years and are a vital step in diverting waste away from landfill.

The venture will take in organic waste and turn it into fertiliser, which will then be reused in the local community.

“There is a real need for services that utilise food waste,” said town councillor George Waterman, who, along with members of Diss and District Round Table, oversaw the completion of the composter.

“Hundreds of years ago, we mostly ate what we could grow and catch, and I think there is a gradual return to that self-sufficiency mindset.

“Community composters are a vital step towards that.”

The composter will work in tandem with the town’s community fridge project, which takes in and stores donated food, which is then collected by people in need.

“The idea behind the composter is that any food from the fridge that isn’t used can then go in to making compost at our new composter at Diss Youth and Community Centre in Shelfanger Road,” said Cllr Waterman.

“We haven’t decided exactly how the distribution of the compost will take place, but we’ll possibly look to get in touch with allotment holders to ensure that any unwanted food helps to produce more food, which is key in minimising waste.

“The structure of the composter was put together with materials sourced from a member of the round table and is now more or less complete. It just needs a coat of wood preserver and a liner inside.

“We’re always open to ideas on how to improve our town and, if people have any thoughts they want to pass on, or wish to have a composter built nearby, they can always contact me.”

q For more information on the community composter scheme, or to contact Cllr Waterman, email councillorwaterman@diss.gov.uk.