ESSEX County Council has given out top tips for reducing food waste in the hot weather.

As part of its campaign to stop unneccessary rubbish going to landfill the authority is encouraging people to be careful with what they throw away.

Tips include:

  • Keep fridge temperatures between one and five degrees. Research shows up to 70 per cent of fridges are too warm meaning food won’t last as long as it could.
  • Bananas and pineapples should be kept cool but not refrigerated and potatoes and onions should be kept in a cool, dark place. All other fruit and veg can go in the fridge.
  • Packaging is designed to help food last as long as possible so do not remove it until it is ready to be eaten.
  • Food can be frozen before the use by date. Once defrosted it must be eaten within 24 hours.
  • Leftover barbecue meat can be kept in the fridge. It will be good to use for up to two days or pop it in the freezer for another time.
  • Cold sausages make tasty lunchbox treats or can be frozen to eat later.
  • Stale bread rolls can be made into breadcrumbs and frozen.
  • Leftover potatoes make a tasty potato salad when tossed with sliced red or spring onions and mayonnaise.
  • Crisp up tired salad by putting it in a bowl of water with a couple of ice-cubes.

For more information, recipes and advice visit the Recycle for Essex website, or go to the Love Food Hate Waste site to work out the best portion sizes.