This week is Compost Awareness Week – and green-fingered Uttlesford residents are already getting their hands dirty thanks to Uttlesford District Council’s compost giveaway.

Russell Clark, Uttlesford District Council’s Waste and Recycling Officer said: “National Compost Awareness Week aims to promote composting at home to help reduce waste through recycling, enriching your garden soil and encouraging people to choose peat-free products, to preserve precious natural resources. Home composting is an easy way for everyone to take steps in reducing their garden waste whilst producing a useful garden product which will help make Uttlesford’s garden’s thrive.”

The council is inviting residents to collect free compost at venues across the district. It was made available in Thaxted and Dunmow last weekend where residents turned up in force to claim it.

Mr Clark said: “The compost has been produced from the food waste collected from the brown bins. It is available on a first come first served basis. All we ask is that residents bring an empty bag or container so they can take some away. They can also pick up a leaflet to find out more about home composting.”

Further events are planned and compost is available between 10am and 3pm on: -

Saturday, 10 May & Sunday, 11 May Stansted – Lower Street car park

Saturday, 10 May Takeley – Sports Field

Saturday, 17 May Saffron Walden – Swan Meadow car park

To help residents compost their garden waste at home, Uttlesford has teamed up with Essex County Council and national campaign Recycle Now to supply compost bins at reduced prices.

A 220 litre bin will cost just £17 (rrp £40) a 330 litre bin is £20 (rrp £50) and a top-of-range 250 litre komp bin, with hinged lid and sides, is £40 (rrp £66). For more information on the compost bin offer click here. Alternatively, call 0845 077 0759 to place your order.