The Industry innovation interview - Hannah Martin of Com:post

Com:post: Turning Florist Waste into Growth

As a grower, I take it for granted that when i’ve finished with my floristry stems, i’ll chuck them on the compost heap, and 2 years later or less, we’ll have wonderful nutritious compost to use on our plants, but what about Florist shops and studios?

We spoke with Hannah Martin from Com:post . A waste management company on a mission to turn florist green waste into something valuable. Here’s what she had to say about the company’s work and its impact.

Q: Can you describe your company and what you’re trying to achieve?
Hannah: Com:post is a waste management company with a unique focus—we turn florist green waste into compost within just 16 weeks. Our closed-loop system is designed specifically for florists. This means that the green waste generated from their work isn’t just discarded but repurposed to grow more flowers, completing a sustainable cycle. The amount of green waste the floristry industry produces is staggering, and many florists don’t know what actually happens to it. We wanted to change that, ensuring it’s put to good use.

Hannah Martin (right) with business partner Fiona Knowlton.

Q: Why is this important?
Hannah: Having worked in the floristry industry for over 25 years, I’ve seen firsthand just how much green waste is created. A huge percentage of a florist’s waste is organic, yet there’s no standard practice across the UK for dealing with it. In some areas, commercial green waste is collected, but it’s inconsistent. That’s where we come in. We focus solely on florists, offering a reliable and transparent service that puts their waste to better use.

Q: How will this help florists?
Hannah: First, it’s about cost savings. Commercial waste collection is often charged by weight, and since 85% of a florist’s bin is green waste, diverting that from landfill means lower collection costs. Plus, we provide reliable data on what’s been collected and processed, giving florists peace of mind. We ensure that our service is the same price, or even cheaper, than standard waste collection, so they’re not paying more for doing the right thing.

Q: How will it help the planet?
Hannah: By keeping green waste out of landfill, we’re reducing methane emissions, which is a significant contributor to climate change. Florists using our service know they’re making a positive impact on the environment. It’s part of a circular economy—waste becomes compost, which then helps grow more flowers. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Q: What do you think the key changes have been over the last six years?
Hannah: Sustainability has become a core part of business strategy. Consumers are demanding it, and businesses can no longer greenwash their practices. There’s been a shift towards practical, cost-effective solutions, and businesses now know they have to be transparent and accountable. The days of pretending to be green are over—people are asking questions and want real solutions.

Q: Where do you see this going in the future?
Hannah: Right now, we’re processing 8 tonnes of green waste from 20 florists in London, but we have big ambitions. We’re rolling out our service nationwide, starting with our partnership with Hoek Flowers in Bristol. Our goal is to have five hubs across the UK, including Scotland, and ultimately compost 1 million tonnes of florist green waste. It’s an exciting journey!

Hannah and Fiona can be found at https://www.com-post.uk or @compost.uk