Home composting is great for gardens as it produces nutritious, free compost, which can be used to enrich flower beds, vegetable plots, patio planters and hanging baskets. It’s also good for the environment as it reduces the amount of household and garden waste being sent to landfill.

At least 30% of what goes into household bins can be home composted, including some uncooked kitchen scraps (including banana skins, apple cores and vegetable peelings), teabags, crushed eggshells, small pieces of paper and cardboard.

A big garden is not needed in order to get composting at home. There are a range of options available, so anyone with a little bit of outdoor space should be able to give it a go.

Recycling for Essex have some great special offers on compost bins for Essex residents. Prices start at just £15, and if you buy two the second one is half price! Prices are increasing at the end of this month, so now is the perfect time to buy.

To place an order or find out more about home composting visit www.recycleforessex.co.uk, or call 0845 603 7625.

County Councillor Kevin Bentley, Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Waste, said: “I’m urging all Essex residents to try their hand at home composting. Not only does it help our gardens grow, but it helps to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill. There are a great range of compost bins available now to suit all gardens, so there’s never been a better time to get started!”

Residents can join the discussion on by liking Recycling for Essex on Facebook – www.fb.com/recycleforessex