RESIDENTS are encouraged to take a simple step towards creating a more sustainable world as part of International Compost Awareness Week.

This year’s theme is Grow, Eat, Compost, Repeat. It promotes the importance of composting and the use of compost in growing healthier food, supporting healthier soils and, ultimately, creating a more sustainable world.

Composting at home cuts CO2 emissions and turns most kitchen and garden waste into a free supply of compost.

North Yorkshire County Council is getting behind the campaign with a subsidised compost bin offer and advice from the North Yorkshire Rotters volunteers.

Cllr Andrew Lee, Executive Member for Waste Management, said: “You may be surprised at how much of your waste can be composted at home. More than a third of the contents of the average rubbish bin can easily be composted. Fruit and vegetable peelings, crushed eggshells, paper, card and garden waste are all compostable. Even vacuum cleaner contents and small pet bedding can go in. That could make a big impact on the amount you are putting in your rubbish bin.”

The County Council is offering subsidised compost bins in two sizes, 330-litre for £15 and 220-litre for £12. A buy one get one half price offer means you can team up with a family member, friend or neighbour to get a bin cheaper. Delivery is £6.99 per order. For more information and to buy a compost bin, visit www.getcomposting.com or call 0800 316 4454 quoting reference NYC01L.

330-litre bins are also on sale for £15 from household waste recycling centres including Malton. .

Cllr Lee said: “Last year, the County Council subsidised 1,117 home compost bins to residents so they could start or expand their home composting systems. That’s a huge number of people recycling their waste and making such a difference to the environment in their own garden.”

The North Yorkshire Rotters will also be at Helmsley market on Friday, 14 May and the Annual Nature event at Nunnington Hall, on Sunday 30 May to give advice.

More information about how to start home composting is also available at www.northyorks.gov.uk/composting