A HOME composting scheme was launched in County Durham yesterday.

The county council is giving away 2,000 compost bins and offering others at reduced prices in the hope of encouraging people to join the initiative.

It is in partnership with a Wastes and Resources Action Programme, which is a Government-funded initiative to promote recycling.

Councillor Brian Myers, the cabinet member for waste management, said: "We have around 2,000 households in the county currently composting their organic waste and they are all enjoying great plant food for their gardens.

"About 30 per cent of household waste is organic and can be composted including dead flowers, leaves, grass cuttings, raw fruit and vegetables.

"Home composting will help people make a valuable contribution to improving the environment by reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and provide them with a free, nutrient-rich compost for a blooming garden.

"We hope the simplicity and rewards of the scheme will encourage more people to compost their kitchen and garden waste and really help make a difference."

To order a bin, contact 0845 077 0757. Delivery is free and they come with an information guide.