CONSCIENTIOUS householders in the Stroud valleys are being urged to start recycling more waste at home as part of Compost Awareness Week.

A series of roadshows are being held across Gloucestershire to promote low-cost compost bins and give expert advice on recycling.

Nick Baker, of the Waste and Resources Action Programme, a not-for-profit company which aims to encourage recycling, said: "A huge amount of uncooked food gets thrown away every day, which could easily be composted.

"Composting benefits the garden and reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfill."

About 30 per cent of the items in a normal household bin can be recycled, including tea bags, coffee grounds, cardboard, shredded paper, eggshells, tissues and paper napkins.

Bins cost from £12, plus £5 for delivery.

For more information, visit www.recycleforgloucestershire.com