Council calls for residents to get shredding

Herefordshire Council is reminding green-fingered residents they could save themselves time by using a garden shredder.

At this time of year, keen gardeners often cut back some of the summer's growth and take it to household recycling centres.

But many gardeners with shredders find they do not have to make any as many trips to a recycling centre because their garden waste is being put to good use at home.

Laura Preece, Herefordshire Council's recycling officer, said: "Even though we do arrange for green waste from the recycling centres to be turned into soil improver, it is better if green waste is used at home and used as a supply of material to make mulch or compost.

"Shredding garden waste can help it to compost down quickly and evenly and can help to provide a good balance of 'browns' and 'greens' which is important for making good nutritious compost to use around the garden."

Compost bins are also available by calling 0845 077 0757 or visiting http://www.recyclenow.com/