With global temperatures rising and the ever-growing threat to the earth of global warming, there has never been a better time for everyone to make a difference. Recycling materials, whether its food waste recycling, old furniture or glass, is one of the easiest ways everyone can reduce landfill sites and minimise carbon emissions. In fact, recycling food waste is even more cost effective if you're a keen gardener, as leftover organic material such as vegetables, egg shells and fruit can all be effortlessly processed naturally into homemade compost for your garden. This guide will offer some simple tips to help you to create your own compost heap to nourish your garden, whilst minimising your waste impact on the planet by recycling your food packaging.

Sort and Throw

Sorting out your food packaging is one of the easiest things you can do, and arguably it will have one of the biggest impacts on your landfill waste. Not only that but it will keep your own general waste bin less full, which will require fewer bags. All you need is some cheap plastic bins in any colour, however, different colours will work well. Find a space in a sheltered location preferably, and label each one glass, cardboard, metal etc. You'll be able to quickly and easily dispose of food packaging which can be collected by your local council or easily taken to a recycling centre and thrown away. If the packaging contained foods that are likely to smell, like canned tomatoes, it might be a good idea to give them a quick rinse and ensure the recycling bin has a lid. This will minimise odours and scavengers. You should also try to find out if your local council provides free recycling bags and bins.

Waste Not Want Not

You can buy pre-made compost bins that will sit happily in your garden. If possible, try to find one that is made from recycled plastic or buy one second hand. All you need to do is throw in your organic waste, for example, vegetables, egg shells, grass clippings and fruit, then let nature take its course. Try not to throw in meat, as this will rot and cause flies to lay eggs. Instead, keep it vegetation based and turn the compost heap according to the bins instructions. Worms will find a home there, but don't worry as they eat the waste and turn it into soil. This can then be used in the garden for your plants or even shared with your neighbours.

For more information about food waste recycling, reach out to a professional. 

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