THIRTY-three tonnes of compost will go out to residents in Cherwell District Council’s eighth annual giveaway.

The district council’s green team are preparing 3,000 bags ready for the events in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington.

The event will have garden and recycling experts, such as the Oxfordshire Master Composters, on hand to give out advice as well as a free bag of compost and food caddies.

Cherwell District Council’s recycling officer Andrew Jenkins said: “Our annual compost giveaways are one of the most popular events in the Cherwell diary and each year thousands of people turn up to claim their free bag.

“The event is a great opportunity to personally thank residents for their ongoing efforts to recycle by rewarding them with the very result of their hard work.”

Last year saw 2,650 bags of free compost claimed and more than 3,000 people attend the annual event. This year’s events will run from 9am to 1pm and start of on Saturday at Exeter Hall car park, Kidlington.

On Sunday, Grassroots Bicester and Bicester Green will join the green team in Claremont car park in Bicester.

The final giveaway will round up in Windsor Street car park, Banbury on Sunday, April 26 and Banbury Community Action Group will host a seed swap.

Mr Jenkins added: “Aside from the free compost, there are also various other bargains and freebies to be had, including discounted blue and brown bins to help residents to recycle more.

“They can chat directly to members of the team to get advice on waste, recycling or energy consumption, including how to reduce their carbon footprint and subsequently their energy bills.”

For more information on each event you should contact 01295 227003 or send an email to andrew.jenkins@cherwelland southnorthants.gov.uk