· Subha Karthik · 2 min read
International Compost Awareness Week (May 3-May 9): Feed the Soil that Feeds Us
International Compost Awareness Week 2026 celebrates the theme "Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us," highlighting nutrient cycling, food system resilience, and local ways to get involved through community composting seminars.
Every year, International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) reminds us that what we throw away can become one of our most valuable resources. The 2026 theme, “Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us,” highlights a simple truth: healthy soil supports healthy food, healthy communities, and a healthier planet.
Composting creates a circular system where food scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic materials are transformed into nutrient-rich compost. Instead of sending organics to the landfill, we can return them to the earth to strengthen the systems that sustain us.
Why the 2026 Theme Matters
The theme emphasizes the circular nature of composting in practical, high-impact ways:
- Return nutrients to the soil: Compost replenishes organic matter and restores soil fertility naturally.
- Strengthen food production systems: Healthy soils support stronger roots, better yields, and more resilient local food systems.
- Build climate resilience: Compost improves soil water retention and helps store carbon, supporting long-term climate adaptation.
Local Seminars: Learn Composting in Hamilton County
If you want to start composting at home or improve your current process, Hamilton County ReSource is hosting Backyard Composting Seminars in 2026. In just one hour, participants learn how to:
- Turn food and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost
- Troubleshoot common compost bin issues
- Balance compost materials like a pro
Attendees also receive a free kitchen scrap collector and a simple composting guide.
See the full seminar schedule and locations here: Hamilton County Backyard Composting Seminars.
How to Participate During ICAW
Communities, businesses, and individuals can all participate through global and local activities:
- Communities: Host workshops, school programs, neighborhood demonstrations, and compost education events.
- Businesses: Introduce workplace compost collection, reduce food waste, and partner with local organics programs.
- Individuals: Start a backyard compost bin, join a food scrap drop-off program, and share composting knowledge with neighbors.
Simple Actions to Start This Week
- Save fruit and vegetable scraps for compost instead of landfill disposal
- Mix “greens” (nitrogen-rich scraps) and “browns” (dry leaves, cardboard, paper)
- Keep moisture balanced (like a wrung-out sponge)
- Aerate regularly to help decomposition
- Use finished compost in gardens, trees, and landscaping
International Compost Awareness Week is a great reminder that small daily habits create long-term impact. This May 3-May 9, join the movement to close the loop and feed the soil that feeds us.
