Councils in west London are offering free food caddies to encourage waste separation and improve the environment.

It comes as part of a campaign, led by the West London Waste Authority (WLWA), to get residents to reduce their food waste.

This, it is explained, reduces the region’s carbon footprint, improves sustainability and can help save local authorities – and therefore the taxpayer – money.

Those living in Harrow and Brent can get hold of a free food caddy for a limited time by visiting their councils’ websites.

Cllr Krupa Sheth, responsible for the environment at Brent Council, said: “Little things add up.

“Recycling your food waste is so easy to do, but it can have a big impact on the environment, as well as your pocket.

“By joining WLWA's campaign, I hope we can make a big difference to recycling habits.”

The council noted that the average London home throws away around £60 worth of usable food each month.

It believes using a caddy can illustrate this, and it will hopefully encourage people to plan meals effectively and use up any leftovers.

Roger St Paul, waste minimisation projects officer at West London Waste, explained that the system of food waste management can have a greater impact on climate change than recycling plastics.

“Just think about food miles, resources and energy used to produce, transport and dispose the food waste we often bin,” he said.