Frequently asked questions
At Generation Soil, we know that composting, soil health, and regeneration can raise a lot of questions, especially if you’re just getting started.
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This page brings together our most common questions from customers, volunteers, and community members about living compost, food waste collection, bokashi fermentation, and how we’re helping Bristol build a circular food system.
Whether you’re curious about where your food waste goes, how our compost is made, or how to get involved in community projects, you’ll find everything you need here.
About Generation Soil
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Who are you and what do you do?
We’re a Bristol-based social enterprise turning local food waste into living compost. Using microbes, community action, and regenerative principles, we’re restoring the city’s soils one bucket at a time. Every handful of our compost helps reduce landfill waste, boost soil biodiversity, and strengthen local food security.
Why is soil health so important?
Healthy soil is full of life; bacteria, fungi, worms, and tiny organisms that recycle nutrients and store carbon. Without living soil, plants struggle, food systems break down, and ecosystems suffer. Regenerating soil means regenerating life.
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Composting and Food Waste
What happens to the food waste you collect?
Your food scraps are fermented using bokashi, a microbe-powered process that prevents rot and odour. The fermented material is then mixed with local woodchip and processed in our in-vessel composters before maturing naturally into rich, biologically active compost.
Can I compost if I don’t have a garden?
Yes! That’s exactly what our Bristol Living Compost Project was designed for. You can join our food waste collection scheme and still take part in soil regeneration; no garden required.
What can go in the food waste bucket?
Pretty much everything; fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds, cooked food, bread, dairy, and even small bones. Bokashi composting allows a much wider range of materials than traditional garden composting.
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Living Compost and Soil Products
What’s the difference between your compost and shop-bought compost?
Commercial compost is often sterile and lifeless. Our Living Compost is full of beneficial microorganisms that keep soil alive, improve water retention, and enhance plant health. It’s 100% peat-free, chemical-free, and locally made in Bristol.
How do I use Living Compost?
Use it as a mulch, soil conditioner, or in potting mixes. A small amount goes a long way. It inoculates your soil with microbes that continue improving fertility over time.
Is Living Compost suitable for houseplants?
Yes! Mix one part living compost with two parts regular soil or coir to give indoor plants a microbial boost.
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Projects and Community
What is the Bristol Living Compost Project?
It’s our city-wide initiative connecting households, schools, and businesses to regenerate local soil. Members contribute food waste, and we return compost to community gardens and green spaces across Bristol.
Can I volunteer?
Absolutely! @e welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities. Whether you’d like to help process compost, plant trees, or support our educational workshops, there’s a way to get involved.
Do you run workshops or talks?
Yes! We run hands-on composting workshops, school sessions, and business training focused on sustainability, soil health, and circular food systems.
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Supporting Regeneration
How does buying from Generation Soil help?
Every purchase, whether it’s compost, art, or handmade patches supports our mission to reduce food waste, create living soils, and empower communities through education and local action.
Is Generation Soil a CIC?
Yes, we’re a Community Interest Company (CIC), which means all profits are reinvested into community composting, soil regeneration, and food education projects across Bristol.
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Final Thoughts
We believe composting is more than recycling, it’s a way of rebuilding the connection between people and planet.
If you don’t find your answer here, please reach out or visit our Compost Clinic for tailored advice on soil health and community composting.
Together, we can turn food waste into living soil and help Bristol thrive from the ground up.