EVERY man, woman and child in Bolton throws away an average half-a-tonne of rubbish each year, new figures reveal.

Bolton has a mountain of a problem with rubbish and it is getting bigger by the day.

In just six months the town produces enough waste to fill Victoria Square to the height of the town hall clock. Now council recycling officers have pledged their commitment to reducing Bolton's waste mountain by at least a third but they need the public's help.

The council has launched its Slim Your Bin campaign in a bid to switch more residents on to recycling. They say one easy and eco-friendly way of helping is to take the "Good Life" mentality and use household waste as compost for your garden.

Bolton Council recycling officer Jim Cunliffe said: "Nearly a third of the rubbish we throw away is garden and kitchen waste, and can cause serious environmental damage when disposed of, including global warming gases.

"It can all be recycled safely at home and need never even get into the wheelie bin. Home composting is the answer."

Mr Cunliffe is promoting the council-backed Heaton Fold Garden Centre, Overdale Drive, where composters - made from recycled plastic - can be bought for £12.

He added: "Every composter sold saves the need to dispose of one tonne of waste.

"Instead of putting your garden and kitchen waste in the bin, just put in a high performance home composter and let nature do its work," he said.

But if compost corner does not appeal you can still do your bit by taking your garden waste to one of the council's Civic Amenity sites at Raikes Lane, Blackrod or Union Street (entrance via The Valley only).

IF you would like to find out more about recycling you can get a copy of the council's Slim Your Bin leaflet which contains handy tips and advice by calling 01204 336659.