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The Northamptonshire Waste Partnership, which is made up of Northamptonshire County Council and the seven district and borough councils, has been working with Recycle Now's home composting campaign to offer home compost bins at discounted prices to all local residents.

Since the promotion was launched in January this year, 7,714 compost bins have been purchased (compared to just 310 this time last year), enabling more Northamptonshire residents than ever to start composting.

It is estimated that over one third of the contents of an average household dustbin in Northamptonshire can be home composted, as well as all the garden waste that could be added to a compost bin. By composting this waste instead of simply throwing it away, it not only reduces the amount of waste in the household bin but if used in the garden, the compost can increase plant growth, plant health and improve the structure and condition of the soil. Also, when decomposing organic waste is buried under lots of other waste at a landfill site, it has restricted air access and so produces methane which is a harmful greenhouse gas.

Councillor Ben Smith, cabinet member for environment, said:

?Composting is a really easy thing that anyone can do at home to help the environment, reduce the amount of rubbish that goes to landfill and get a valuable resource for their gardens, all at the same time.

?I'm pleased that so many people have already snapped up a discounted price compost bin, and I encourage anyone who hasn't already got one to take advantage of this great offer and get their compost habit started.?