Housebuilders have shared their eco-friendly tips for reducing waste.

Barratt Homes, to mark Recycle Week, which is taking place this week (October 14-20), wants to help homeowners minimise their waste footprint and recycle smarter.

Nicola Foster, senior sales manager at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: "We are encouraging homeowners to share our eco-friendly vision by rethinking their recycling habits, helping to reduce their household's carbon and waste footprint.

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"Recycle Week is a great reminder that small actions can have a big impact.

"By following these simple tips to reduce waste and recycle more effectively, homeowners can actively minimise their overall environmental impact."

The housebuilder recommends sticking to the three R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Homeowners are advised to familiarise themselves with the recycling guidelines in their community, as these can vary.

When shopping, people could consider choosing products with minimal packaging, or those designed for longevity, to reduce waste from the start.

Creating meal plans and shopping lists is a useful strategy to avoid food waste.

Instead of discarding jars, boxes, and containers, people could think about how they could be repurposed.

For example, glass jars can be used to store pantry items.

Investing in reusable products, such as water bottles and cloth bags, helps to reduce the need for single-use plastics.

Barratt Homes also recommends setting up a home recycling station in an easily accessible place.

Separate and clearly labelled bins for different recyclable materials, such as paper, plastics, glass, and metal, help to provide clarity for children and guests.

Composting is another way to reduce waste.

By using a compost bin, homeowners can dispose of kitchen scraps, such as fruits and vegetables, in an eco-friendly way.

This significantly reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

For keen gardeners, composting food is an excellent way to reduce household waste while creating a valuable resource for gardens, by enriching soil and helping plants to retain moisture.

The housebuilder has said it is committed to creating a more sustainable future by integrating the latest building regulations to improve energy efficient standards in its current and future homes.