Free mulch for water savings

Armidale region residents will again have access to free mulch this weekend to assist with water saving during the ongoing drought.

Residents can visit the Armidale Waste Management Facility or Guyra Recycling & Transfer Station on Saturday or Sunday to receive up to two cubic metres of free mulch.

“Council held a free mulch weekend in May and residents responded really well to the initiative” Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said.

“Mulch is great for water saving as it can reduce evaporation from soil by up to 70%. The current Level 4 and Level 5 water restrictions ban the use of hoses and irrigation systems to water gardens, so it’s more important than ever to save as much moisture in our gardens as possible.

“We’re inviting residents to bring their utes, trailers or buckets to the Armidale or Guyra waste facilities between noon and 4.30pm on either of the two days.”

It will be limited to one visit per household and deliveries will not be available for the free supply.

Loading facilities are available at each waste management facility, as well as self loading for small amounts.

“Not only does mulch conserve water and reduce the need for irrigation, it also moderates soil temperature, inhibits weed growth and, over time, improves the soil structure and health of plants,” he said.

Visit Council’s website for details about the water restrictions, as well as further information about mulch and compost supplies from Council’s waste management facilities.

Published on 12 Aug 2019