Full Breakdown
Guernsey Introduces Free Compost Through New Windrow Process
6/14/2026, 11:08:49 AM
Free Compost for Residents
The States of Guernsey announced that residents can collect compost at no charge after the island’s green-waste facility in Mont Cuet switched to windrow composting. The product is described as “more uniform and nutrient-rich” and is intended for landscaping, potting mixes and soil amendment.
Background and Process Shift
Guernsey Waste previously produced a “substandard” compost despite handling “thousands of tonnes” of garden waste each year. In response, the agency adopted windrow composting, which arranges waste in long, narrow piles and turns them regularly to accelerate decomposition. The new method yields a significantly “superior” compost with higher uniformity and nutrient content.
Key Personnel
Douglas Button serves as Minimisation and Sustainability Officer for Guernsey Waste, while Robert Roussel is the senior technical advisor. Both officials have spoken publicly about the transition and the expected benefits for island growers.
Distribution Details
The finished compost is stockpiled at the Longue Hougue land-reclamation site. Residents may pick up free bags on-site, and larger requests can be arranged by contacting Guernsey Waste via email or telephone.
Official Statements & Responses
Guernsey Waste highlighted the significant circular-economy advantage of converting island-generated garden waste into a usable soil amendment. The agency emphasized confidence in the product’s quality and its suitability for a range of horticultural applications. The States of Guernsey said the change would provide soil that is more uniform and richer in nutrients for the community.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a great example of the circular economy in action - turning the island's garden waste into something people can use for free with confidence to improve their soil and support local growing.” — Douglas Button, Minimisation and Sustainability Officer, Guernsey Waste
- “Previously the product that we were producing was substandard ... so we have changed the process and produced something that we're now very proud of.” — Robert Roussel, Senior Technical Advisor, Guernsey Waste
- “, you can put it in pots mixed with other composts and other growing media, there's all sorts of uses for it," he said.” — Robert Roussel, Senior Technical Advisor, Guernsey Waste
- “a more uniform and nutrient-rich soil” — Statement from the States of Guernsey
What's Next
Guernsey Waste plans to maintain the free-compost service while monitoring resident uptake. Future communications may address scaling the windrow process or expanding distribution points, though specific timelines were not detailed in the source material.
