May 2-8, 2027
International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is the compost industry’s largest, most far-reaching education and awareness campaign, celebrated worldwide each year during the first full week of May. The mission is simple but powerful: bring people together to share the benefits of composting organics and using compost to build healthier soil.
From the fall poster contest to thousands of events and activities during the week, ICAW inspires action at every level. Communities, schools, governments, and businesses host celebrations highlighting all types of composting, from small backyard efforts to large-scale commercial operations, showing that everyone can play a part in creating a more sustainable future.
Each year, a new ICAW theme is selected. The theme is used for the Poster Contest, which invites artists (age 14 and older) from throughout the world to create a design sharing the importance of composting and compost use.
Diane Hazard, Executive Director of Compost Research & Education Foundation, discusses the 2026 ICAW campaign.
Thank you for a successful ICAW 2026! The theme, “Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us,” highlighted the vital role compost plays in sustaining life on land.
2026 ICAW posters are still available for purchase! Get yours today and help spread awareness.
Order single posters or Order 10-pack posters
All Paths Lead to Compost!
The 2027 theme is inspired by building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. “All Paths Lead to Compost”, highlights the essential need to lower carbon emissions through inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
Over the last decade, global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fuel combustion and industrial processes have surged to new all-time highs. Unfortunately, many developing nations continue to face systemic challenges in achieving inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
UN Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, & Infrastructure, reinforces that the growth of new industries means improvement in the standard of living for many of us and can and should have a positive effect on the environment.
This theme ties directly to how innovation and infrastructure can unleash dynamic and competitive economic forces that generate employment and income while introducing and promoting new technologies, facilitating international trade and enabling the efficient use of resources.
ICAW began in Canada in 1995, launched by the Compost Council of Canada. Shortly after, the U.S. Composting Council joined in, and the two organizations promoted the program in their respective countries. While each country eventually developed its own approach and programming, both kept the core focus the same: ICAW is always held during the first full week of May with the goal of building public awareness about the many benefits of organics recycling and compost use. Over time, ICAW grew into a truly international program, celebrated in countries around the world.
In 2016, CREF assumed leadership of ICAW in the U.S. due to the program’s alignment with our mission. Today, CREF continues to work closely with Canada, the US Composting Council, and international partners to promote ICAW and advance compost education globally.Central to this process is the International Compost Alliance, whose members provide essential input in selecting the ICAW theme each year. Their contributions ensure that ICAW continues to highlight the global importance of composting, while giving communities and organizations a unifying message to share.
Here are some key facts regarding organics recycling and compost use highlighting why ICAW is such an important awareness-building program helping make our communities more sustainable:
Becoming a sponsor of International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is a powerful way to showcase your organization’s commitment to sustainability while helping raise public awareness about the benefits of composting and organics recycling. Sponsors are featured on ICAW posters, receive recognition on the Compost Research & Education Foundation’s website, gain visibility through social media promotions, and benefit from exposure at key industry events, all while supporting compost education and outreach nationwide. To learn more and join as an ICAW sponsor, visit the official sponsor page here, ICAW Sponsor Page
Learn more about becoming a sponsor, visit the Sponsor Page.
The 2026 ICAW posters are available for purchase! Get yours today and help spread awareness.
Order single posters here
Order 10-pack posters here
This popular curriculum guide, designed for teachers, parents, and anyone introducing children to gardening, is now available as a free download. It’s a fun, easy way to explore gardening, composting, and the science of healthy soils. A Garden for Every Child was created by GardenSoxx®.
Downloadable version HERE
The Compost Story is a compelling, six-minute short film that brings compost to life as “probiotic for soil,” showcasing how this simple practice can rebuild degraded lands and capture carbon. With a star-studded cast, including Rosario Dawson, Kendrick Sampson, and Amy Smart, the film illustrates why composting is a vital, regenerative action for our climate and food systems.
For more information Click Here
