Did you know that approximately 30% of household rubbish can be composted? Composting turns organic waste such as green garden rubbish (e.g. grass and leaves) and uncooked kitchen rubbish (e.g. fruit scraps and vegetable peelings) into an excellent soil conditioner. Composting can be done at home (using a bin or heap) or on a larger scale at a composting facility.

Home composting will benefit your garden by providing you with a free supply of compost, improving the nutrient content of the soil, helping soil structure and improving drainage.

Home composting also benefits the environment by stopping garden waste and some kitchen waste from being thrown away in your dustbin, where it will end up being buried in Essex landfill sites. There is a leaflet available with details of How to Compost at Home (pdf document) which includes an order form to purchase a compost bin (see details further down this page) or you can visit the Recycle Now web site for lots more information including, local events, games and you can sign up receive 'Enjoy' a free composting newsletter.

Tendring District Council are working in partnership with Essex County Council and WRAP (Waste Resources Action Partnership) to promote home composting, this means you can purchase a quality compost bin at a reduced price as part of The Essex Home Compost Initiative.

There are three types of compost bin made from 100% recycled plastic currently available:

Compost Converter (Con220)
H90cm x D74cm
Strong, sturdy construction
Sliding hatch for easy access to compost
100% recycled material
£17.00 (free delivery)

Compost Converter (Con 330)
H100cm x D80cm
No Assembly required
Strong sturdy construction
Sliding hatch for easy access to compost
100% recycled material
£20.00 (free delivery)

Komp 250L
H105cm x D54cm
This square shaped, green compost bin is easy to assemble without any tools and provides easy access to the finished compost on all 4 sides.
£40.00 (free delivery)

7lt Kitchen Caddy
Why not buy a kitchen caddy for only £4 when you buy a bin.
One discounted caddy per household.
£4.00

For details of how to purchase a compost bin please visit the Recycle Now web site.

N.B. The last day for ordering a compost bin for delivery before Christmas is Thursday 11th December 2008.

Useful links

www.safegardening.co.uk - Garden safety, tips and advice including home composting.

www.recyclenow.com - The Recycle Now campaign has been created and is run by WRAP, which stands for the Waste & Resources Action Programme. WRAP will be working closely with councils and retailers to make sure the recycling message is heard. The site includes information on home composting.

www.wrap.org.uk - WRAP works in partnership to encourage and enable businesses and consumers to be more efficient in their use of materials and recycle more things more often. This helps to minimise landfill, reduce carbon emissions and improve our environment

Some of the documents above are provided in adobe acrobat pdf format and you will need the free adobe acrobat reader software to open them.