Working in partnership for the people of Herefordshire
Time running out to bag a bargain bin
Time is running out for people in Herefordshire wanting to get hold of a discount compost bin.
Residents in both Herefordshire and Worcestershire can get hold of a cut-price bin through the national Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) initiative before the end of the month. Composting is an easy way to divert bio-degradable organic waste (from the kitchen and garden) from going to landfill.
The resulting compost provides a great source of nutrients to help the garden grow and helps save money as residents don't have to buy compost. Until Wednesday, September 30 residents can buy a compost bin from as little as £12 – which includes delivery – when normally some bins can cost over £80.
Discounted compost bins can be bought online at www.recyclenow.com/home_composting/ or by calling 0845 076 0223. WRAP will no longer be able to provide this service from October, but Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council are looking to set up a new scheme in the New Year.
Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council have been promoting subsidised bins since 2004, with more than 84,000 compost bins sold across the two counties. If each bin is used for ten years this could divert nearly 100,000 tonnes of bio-degradable waste from landfill, saving the council taxpayer money and helping to protect the environment.
Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: "The scheme has been a great success in both Herefordshire and Worcestershire as over the last five years, a huge number of residents haven taken advantage of this opportunity to buy a reduced priced compost bin. The long-term benefits of composting some of our household waste instead of sending to landfill are there for everyone to see, but even in the short-term, those who get hold of a bin through the discount scheme can save themselves a bit of cash."
For those already taken by the composting bug, help is always at hand through the Master Composters Scheme, where other residents share their tips and advice on getting the most from their bins. To find more information about home composting or other Waste Prevention initiatives call 01905 766883 or visit www.wastemissionimpossible.org.uk.