We all need to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill. There are many ways in which you can do your bit. By following the three Rs as set out below you can really reduce the amount you throw away to landfill.

Reduce – The best thing that you can do to reduce waste going to landfill is to actually reduce the amount of waste you produce in the first place thereby minimising what is thrown away

Re-use – Following reducing waste, reuse whatever you can as needlessly making new products wastes resources and energy

Recycle - Recycling old products into new ones saves raw materials so whatever waste you do have, recycle it through the many facilities available.

Take a look around this site for some great tips on what you can do to get recycling and to locate information specific to your district.

During the summer months most of us enjoy spending time with family and friends in the garden, and a BBQ is the ideal way to do this.

BBQ’s can however create a lot of extra rubbish, but with a little forward planning and thought on the day this can be kept to the minimum. Follow our hints and tips below and make your BBQ a great success for both yourself and the environment:

• Disposable BBQs produce unnecessary waste and in the long term will cost you lots of money. There are a variety of types of BBQ on the market, from small bucket types for easy storage to gas options.
• Don’t cook more than you need, try and confirm how many people you will be catering for and only buy what you need. Making a shopping list is an ideal way to help with this – Stick to your list and don’t be tempted with offers – they will only end up in the bin.
• Avoid using disposable plates, cups and cutlery, there are many attractive picnic sets that can be used over and over if you don’t want your party to be let loose on your best crockery.
• For larger parties consider using a glass hire service to avoid plastic cups.
• Put your kerbside recycling container in your garden (next to the cool box) get your friends and family to do the tidying and recycling all in one motion!
• Use your local butcher or farmers market for you meat where items are less packaged.
• Only bring out the meat to be cooked when needed to avoid over cooking, left over’s can then be frozen for next time!
• Use smaller serving dishes for perishable foods such as bread, salads and nibbles that can easily be topped up.
• Home compost left over salad and vegetables to help your garden look great for next years BBQs.