A NEW project aimed at tackling avoidable household food waste will be launched in Basildon this summer.

Essex County Council has commissioned the Children’s Food Trust to set up ten Food Waste Buster clubs in the town.

The clubs will also share healthy cooking tips and recipes.

Almost half of Essex’s waste is not currently recycled, with food waste the biggest issue, despite food waste collections in every district.

Malcolm Buckley, deputy county councillor for waste and recycling, said: “By reducing the amount of food we needlessly buy, re-using any leftovers and recycling what is left, we can go a long way to achieving a better, greener Essex.”

Liz Thrussell, from the Children’s Food Trust, said: “Whenever we run cooking sessions looking at food waste and cooking with leftovers, everyone is surprised at just how much food we waste in our homes – often without really thinking about it.

“But with a bit of planning, creativity and some basic cooking skills, there’s so much we can all do to throw away less, save money and eat really well.”

For more details, visit recycleforessex.com