GUERNSEY’S gardens are in for a free boost of nutrients during the harsh winter months. Islanders are being invited to help themselves to as much free soil conditioner as they like at the Chouet Green Waste Site.
A stockpile of 250 tonnes needs to be cleared from the area to make space for the arrival of a shredder in January.
Public Services minister Bill Bell said it was a chance for islanders to get something in return for being green.
‘We are hoping that people who come to the site to recycle their green waste will help themselves to some soil conditioner at the same time,’ he said.
‘We need to dispose of the large stockpile we have and there is no charge - it is completely free.’
Soil conditioner has been cultivated for about two years using a system involving heat and aerobic activity.
The temperature is monitored and then it is allowed to mature for one or two months.
Public Services senior project manager Rob Roussel said the department had received some positive feedback about the soil conditioner from the farmers who had used it.
‘It is tested by the Compost Association to make sure it adheres to the guidelines before it enters the environment.
‘When we first started making the conditioner we were just testing the water to see what we could do with the equipment available, but now we have found that we are producing a quality product.
‘The public are welcome to bring a shovel and dig into the heap.
‘The idea is that if you are getting rid of your green waste you might as well help yourself to some soil conditioner.’
The shredder for the Chouet Green Waste Site has been ordered and is expected to arrive by mid January after staff have been trained how to use it.
It will allow material larger than half an inch in diameter to be recycled and therefore reduce the amount of green waste going to Mont Cuet landfill.
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