Turning Waste into Worth: A Sustainable Solution for CWGC Sites

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is actively integrating sustainable practices to protect the environment while honouring the legacy of those who died in the two World Wars.

Sustainability at CWGC

As custodians of a global estate across more than 150 countries, the CWGC is committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

We’ll achieve this by progressively switching to renewable energy sources, installing photovoltaic systems, and enhancing energy efficiency, as well as relying on the innovation of our staff at our offices and on our sites. 

Trialing new green waste initiatives

Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult to manage green waste effectively at our sites, with most cemeteries lacking composting facilities. Our gardeners, contractors were either required to remove their waste or pay for its disposal, leading to a pressing need for a more sustainable and efficient solution.

At the time, three main sites, Maidstone, Hove, and Brighton, permitted green waste disposal, but each came with significant limitations. Maidstone’s compost site was nearing full capacity, Hove restricted waste types to grass cuttings, and Brighton’s only accessible composting area became unusable in wet conditions. 

As a result, the team was forced to transport heavy bags of waste between locations, increasing manual labour, fuel consumption, and vehicle wear.

The proposed solution was simple yet highly effective: on-site composting bins.

By recycling green waste directly at the source, CWGC has begun the process to significantly reduce its environmental footprint while producing nutrient-rich compost to enhance soil health. 

Unlike mulch, this compost would be used as a soil conditioner, improving plant vitality and contributing to sustainable horticultural practices.

Why use on-site compost bins?

The introduction of compost bins has offered multiple advantages:

• Waste Reduction – Eliminating the need to transport green waste between sites
• Enhanced Soil Quality – Improving plant health through better soil structure, increased organic matter, and enriched nutrients
• Water Conservation – Enhancing soil moisture retention, reducing the need for irrigation
  Cost Savings – Lowering expenses on mulch and fuel while reducing the need for large waste transport vehicles
• Sustainability – Aligning CWGC’s maintenance practices with future environmental goals
• Helps reduce weeds – Mulches help stop weed seed germination and so are a great help with keeping our sites as weed-free as possible

We have now installed this new system in three other locations:

• Mill Hill Cemetery - London
• Hastings - Sussex
• Seaford - Sussex

Sustainability worldwide

CWGC’s commitment to sustainability and our team’s innovation extends far beyond the UK.

Around the world, our teams are pioneering innovative solutions to environmental challenges in the regions they maintain.

In Kenya, Head Gardener James Mbuthia is leading efforts to ensure green waste is repurposed efficiently to support healthy plant growth and soil quality. 

At sites in East Africa, CWGC has introduced composting silos, large containers where garden waste is carefully processed to create high-quality manure. As James explains:

“We collect green waste, including prunings and dry leaves, and place them in the first silo. These materials cannot be shredded immediately, so they are transferred to a second silo where they are broken down. Grass cuttings and shredded leaves are then moved to a larger silo, where we add water and create a mix whichar, ensuring optimal decomposition. Finally, after a full cycle, we retrieve the nutrient-rich compost and return it to our gardens.”

By transforming waste into a valuable resource, James and his team are improving soil fertility and reducing reliance on external fertilisers. All while ensuring CWGC’s cemeteries remain beautiful and sustainable.

Discover more about CWGC & Sustainability

Charged with caring for the final resting places of the Commonwealth's war dead in perpetuity, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is embracing global sustainable solutions to care for our sites forevermore.

Visit our Sustainability page to discover more about how we are caring for our sights in a long-term, sustainable way.