In 2008/09 each Surrey household produced, on average, just over one tonne of waste and recycled 41% of it. This was 6% more recycling than the previous year and above the average recycling rate of 36.9% for England (Source: DEFRA - recycling rate for England between January and December 2008).

However, although recycling figures in Surrey have gone up and recycling is a good thing to do as it can help save materials and energy, not producing waste in the first place is even better.

Here are some suggestions which are shown to save money and have a noticeable impact on the amount of rubbish we put in our bins:

• Cutting down on food waste. UK households throw 8.3 million tonnes of food away every year, but there are lots of ways to reduce waste and make the most of your leftovers.
• Composting fruit and vegetable peelings and garden waste
• Finding a new home for the things that you no longer need
• Using real nappies, where applicable
• Taking steps to reduce unwanted mail

• Direct Gov website
• Recycle Now website
• Sustainable Shopping