HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to make use of their waste by turning it to compost.

Durham County Council is helping to promote the environmental benefits of home composting with the belated arrival of spring.

It is part of Compost Awareness Week, which runs from Monday (May 6) until Sunday May 12.

The event, now in its 13th year, aims to improve understanding how to convert waste into compost and how it can then be put to use.

Vicky Bell, the county council’s waste strategy and policy officer, said: “Around a third of the contents of an average household bin can be composted at home.

“Things such as vegetable peelings, teabags, egg shells, cardboard, shredded paper and garden waste can all be used to make nutritious compost for plants and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.”

Accompanying awareness week there is a ‘buy one, get one half price’ offer on home compost bins.

Orders for bins, priced at £16.98, can be made via www.getcomposting.com, or by phoning 0844-571-4444.

Keen composters are also urged to help spread the word by joining the Master Composters, a team of community volunteers who help in awareness raising events.

Further information about the Master Composters is available via www.durham.gov.uk/recycling, or by phoning 03000-261000.