Uttlesford District Council is helping to spread the news about the environmentally friendly way to enrich the soil in your garden as part of Compost Awareness Week.

To kick-start the campaign, the council is inviting residents to collect free compost from venues across the district.

The council’s Waste and Recycling Officer Russell Clark said: “The compost has been produced from the food waste collected from the brown bins. It will be 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.

“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 gardens thrive.”

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.

Free compost will be available between 10am and 3pm on:

Saturday, 3 May and Sunday, 4 May
Thaxted – Margaret Street car park

Saturday, 3 May and Sunday, 4 May
Dunmow – Chequers Lane car park

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

Saturday, 10 May
Takeley – Sports Field

Saturday, 17 May
Saffron Walden – Swan Meadow car park

Compost Awareness Week runs from Sunday, May 4 until Saturday, May 10.