4 May 2026
The International Compost Alliance (ICA) on 28 April 2026 launched a global call to action for International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) 2026, urging governments, industry, educators and households to recognize and prioritise compost as a strategic resource for soil health, food production and climate resilience.
Running May 3–9, this year’s theme is “Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us,” which highlights compost’s role in returning valuable organic matter and essential nutrients to soils and, in turn, people, strengthening the natural systems that underpin food production.
The campaign comes at a time of growing pressure on agricultural and land management systems, including rising concern over the cost and availability of mineral fertilisers. Against that backdrop, the ICA said compost should be viewed as more than a valuable waste diversion solution, but, as an increasingly fundamental source of nutrients and carbon for soils.
“Compost is often discussed in terms of diverting waste, but a more important value is in what it gives back,” said John McKew, National Executive Officer, Australian Organics Recycling Association, speaking on behalf of the International Compost Alliance. “It contains valuable nutrients, supports soil biology, improves soil structure and water retention, and helps reduce reliance on the increasingly volatile economics of external inputs such as mineral fertilisers.”
As input costs rise and supply chains remain vulnerable to geopolitical and economic disruption, compost is drawing greater attention as a practical and local tool to help build soil fertility, nutrient resilience and long-term productivity.
“Compost is not a complete replacement for all fertiliser needs in every system, but it is a proven part of the natural solution to feed our soils,” said Mr McKew. “It helps return nutrients already present in our food and green waste back to the land, where they can be used productively rather than lost forever in landfills or incineration.”
ICA members say that message is central to this year’s celebration: at its core, composting is about recovering value from organic materials and putting it back to work in soils, landscapes and food systems.
Compost’s contribution extends well beyond nutrient supply. By improving soil structure, moisture retention and biological activity, compost can help soils perform better under pressure from drought, erosion, land degradation and other climate-related stresses.
Across multiple countries, ICA members and partners will mark the week with public education campaigns, workshops, school engagement, compost facility tours and community events all aimed at increasing understanding of compost’s environmental, agricultural and economic benefits.
The ICA also encourages policymakers, local authorities, farmers, businesses, educators and the public to use the week to expand composting programs, increase compost use and strengthen recognition of organics recycling as part of a more circular and secure future.
International Compost Awareness Week 2026 runs from May 3 to May 9. Further information is available at www.aora.org.au including these eight Fact Sheet resources (https://aora.org.au/compost-fact-sheets/):
Compost Products Fact Sheet
Compost Process Fact Sheet
Compost In Sporting Fields Fact Sheet
Compost In Council Parks & Gardens Fact Sheet
Compost In Orchards Fact Sheet
Compost In Broadacre Production Fact Sheet
Compost In Viticulture Fact Sheet
Compost In Vegetable Production Fact Sheet
And, we have the ‘The 6 C’s for Healthy Soils’ information sheet:
https://aora.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/6-Cs-for-Healthy-Soils-PDF.pdf, particularly relevant to the ICAW 2026 theme.
The International Compost Alliance is a global network of compost organizations working to advance compost production, use and awareness worldwide. Through collaboration, education and advocacy, ICA promotes composting as a practical solution for healthier soils, resource recovery and environmental sustainability. Members include:
The Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA);
Compost Council of Canada (CCC);
European Compost Network (ECN);
International Solid Waste Association (ISWA);
Italian Composting and Biogas Association (CIC);
CRÉ - Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Association of Ireland;
The Organics Recycling Association of South Africa (ORASA);
WasteMINZ (Waste Management Institute of New Zealand);
The Renewable Energy Association (REA);
The United States Composting Council (USCC); and
The Compost Research & Education Foundation (CREF).