Castle Hedingham Parish Council

Essex County Council increases discount on compost bins for Essex residents throughout September.

An extra discount on compost bins is available to Essex residents throughout September.

Essex County Council has long subsidised compost bins for residents but is now offering more than 50% off the recommended retail price.

Residents can now get 220 litre bin from £10 and 330 litre bin from £20. The council hopes this latest offer will encourage even more residents to compost at home.

Composting at home has many benefits for gardens and the wider environment. Reducing the waste put out for collection cuts emissions by removing the need to transport it to other sites. Compost also provides a free soil-enricher that builds the resilience of gardens and supports wildlife.

Having a compost bin in the garden makes disposing of garden waste quick and free. Residents who don't compost or use the paid-for garden waste collection service offered by city, district and borough councils must otherwise dispose of their garden waste at Household Waste Recycling Centres.

These benefits make composting a key element in the Waste Strategy for Essex 2024-2054. The strategy sets out the Essex Waste Partnership’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to net zero by 2050. It was formally adopted by the council in July.

Councillor Peter Schwier, Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling said: “Alongside the environmental advantages, composting has clear benefits for residents too. It can help people to save time and money, all while contributing to our ambitious waste targets for the next 30 years - it's a win-win. We’re pleased to be able to make this offer available and hope even more residents will take it up.”

The compost bins are made in the UK from up to 100% recycled plastic collected from local authorities. They require no set-up.

To be eligible, residents must live in Essex (excluding Southend and Thurrock). You must enter your Essex postcode for the discount to apply.

To apply, visit https://www.loveessex.org/ideas/get-started-home-composting/buy-reduced-price-compost-bin

Find more information about building a compost heap from materials that you may already have.