Get composting and help to reduce waste

GREEN-MINDED residents are urged to get composting as part of International Compost Awareness Week.

More than 435,000 tonnes of rubbish was generated across Leicestershire in 2015/16 - around a quarter of it was garden and food waste, which could have been composted at home.

Now, Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council have joined forces to offer cutprice home composters to help reduce the amount of waste sent for treatment and disposal.

Residents can buy a discounted compost converter from as little as £10.98, and save even more on a second composter at the bargain price of £5.48.

Joanna Guyll, the county council’s assistant director for environment and waste, said: “There are simple ways to avoid sending food to landfill such as storing food correctly, freezing leftovers and planning meals and, of course, composting.

“This is a great incentive to encourage more residents to get composting which will have a positive impact on their wallets and the environment.”

Geoff Soden, head of waste management at Leicester City Council, added: “Home composting is simple to do and, once you get started, you will be surprised at just how much daily household waste can be recycled.

“Items such as grass cuttings, coffee grounds, tea bags, newspaper and cardboard boxes can go in the compost bin and all help to provide a free supply of top quality compost which will put some life back into the garden.

“It also has the added benefits of helping the city reduce carbon emissions and cut the amount of waste sent to landfill.”

For more details or to order a home composter visit www.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 4444.