International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) 2018 is May 6 - 12

May 6 - 12, 2018 is International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW), the largest and most comprehensive education initiative of the compost industry. It is celebrated in Canada, the U.S. and in other countries each year during the first full week of May. Started in Canada in 1995, ICAW has continued to grow as more people, businesses, municipalities, schools and organizations are recognizing the importance of composting and the long-term benefits from organics recycling.

The goal of the program is to raise the awareness of the public regarding the benefits of using compost to improve or maintain high quality soil, to grow healthy plants, reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides, improve water quality and protect the environment. The program includes a poster contest, programs at schools and activities and events promoted through governments, public municipalities and local businesses nationwide.

Each year, a theme is chosen. The theme for this year is Compost! Building a Better Future. This is the theme for the Poster Contest, which encourages artists throughout the world to create a design sharing the importance of composting and using compost.

Throughout the week of ICAW, community and business events are held to encourage and celebrate composting. All types of composting - from backyard to large-scale are promoted. Events include tours of compost facilities, school gardening programs, compost workshops, lectures by a well-known gardening expert, compost give-away days, to name just a few. Click here to learn more about planning an event or to share information on your upcoming event. To learn more about how you can get involved with ICAW or plan an event in your community, click here to read the Celebrate ICAW Manual

Many companies strongly support ICAW by becoming an ICAW sponsor. We would like to thank all the 2018 ICAW sponsors.

Browse our Compost Week menu for tools and ideas to help YOU celebrate International Compost Awareness Week!

How would YOU like to be an ICAW State Coordinator? The ICAW Committee is looking for an individual (or team of individuals) in each state, who is willing to lead the awareness of International Compost Awareness Week in their home state. It's easy to be involved, especially if you are already celebrating ICAW! If you are interested or need more details, contact Beth Simone, [email protected]

If you have any questions or need more information about ICAW, contact Beth Simone at [email protected].