This week: Rubbish

1 Partially buried in your garden: We like solar-heated green cones – available from www.greencone.ie. They take both cooked and uncooked food waste and break it down into its natural components without attracting the attention of flies and rodents. It costs €165 and the company promises it will reduce your household waste by a quarter.

2 Recycle: Over two-thirds of the average household bin is recyclable, so reduce that number by cutting down on packaging refuse by buying loose fruit and vegetables – frequently better value in your local shop, incidentally. Better still, grow your own vegetables, raised on your own compost, although this might be a bit ambitious in the middle of winter.

3 Flattening or squashing:Do this to packaging and you can fit more into your recycling containers and remember that plastic is recyclable and plastic bottles can now be disposed of with your other recyclables.

4 Don't throw away: The likes of old computers, phones or other electronic goods can be sold on www.ebay.ie or donate them to charities like the Jack and Jill Foundation instead.

5 Bulky goods: If you need to get rid of bulky household goods seek out alternatives to skips. Sunflower Recycling operate a collection service in inner-city Dublin and take unwanted furnishing, household and electrical goods for upgrade or recycling – see www.sunflowerrecycling.ie.