Leicestershire residents take up 'green cone' deal to reduce food waste

Nearly 2,000 green cone food waste digesters have been bought by county residents keen to recycle their leftovers. Since May 2008 the special bins have been sold at a cut down rate by Leicestershire County Council, on behalf of the Leicestershire Waste Partnership, helping families reduce the amount of leftover food they send to landfill.

All sorts of food waste, from fish and chips to curries and fruit to cooked meat and bones, can be scraped into the device which cleverly turns it into water, carbon dioxide and nutrients which are absorbed back into the soil.

Kathy Platts (pictured) from Sileby said: “By putting leftover food into the kitchen caddy that comes with the digester you see how much you waste. We’ve reduced what we buy, so there are long-term savings.

“There are immediate benefits in the surrounding area - I’ve seen a big difference in the surrounding plants, they’re very lush.”

The Green Cone costs £7.50*, which includes free professional installation, other composters such as wormeries and Green Johannas are also available at discount prices.

Tony Kershaw, County Council Cabinet Member for Waste and Chairman of Leicestershire Waste Partnership, said: “Using a food waste digester helps reduce the cost of sending waste to landfill, which is rising yearly. The digesters we have on offer are really great value and help us all do our bit for the environment.”

To order a food waste digester call 0800 019 2061 or visit: http://www.greatgreensystems.com/

For more information on all the units available visit: www.leics.gov.uk/waste

*Offer available to Leicestershire residents only – excludes Leicester city.