Five tips for reducing your pay by weight charges.

• Start composting or buy a wormery for all organic waste. Even small back yards can accommodate a wormery. If you live in an apartment, lobby your management company for a communal facility.

• Shop wisely. Buy loose fruit and veg. Buy products that have less packaging, such as roll-on deodorant instead of an aerosol can.

• Check for the recycling logo on plastic packaging. This means it can be taken to a recycling centre.

• Never buy disposable products if you can avoid them.

• Reuse and donate where you can. Spray bottles can be refilled, while jam jars and plastic containers all have some use. Charity shops accept clothes and other unwanted goods that are in good working order. Try salvage companies for larger items.

• There is a host of good websites with information on recycling and waste reduction, including www.enfo.ie and www.raceagainstwaste.com

• For information on wormeries and composting, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council is one of the best sites, www.ipcc.ie.