REPORTS in the national press claiming that householders need licences for compost heaps have been scorned as 'absolute rubbish'.

The Environment Agency said that individual householders are excluded from waste management licence controls.

West Wiltshire District Council's environment portfolio holder, Cllr Adrian Fox, said: "Composting is a simple and safe way to recycle kitchen and garden waste such as grass cuttings and vegetable peelings. The only thing that should not be added is meat".

The council runs a scheme to encourage composting. People ordering from Original Organics can pay £12.50 for a £35 compost bin. Phone (01884) 841515.