WEST Devon residents are being urged to help reduce landfill and save money by putting an end to food waste in their black bin bags. According to research by West Devon Borough Council, more than 23 percent of the black sack refuse collected from households is made up of food waste — the largest single element thrown away. Cllr Robert Sampson, the council's lead member for waste and recycling, said: 'I think some people are not always sure what to do with food waste particularly when it comes to raw meat or fish. 'However, it could not be more straight-forward. All food waste can go in your food caddy for weekly collection from bones to coffee grounds and everything in between.' Weekly food waste collections in West Devon are taken to a state-of-the-art food digester facility to be turned into gas which is then converted into electricity for the National Grid.  The remaining compost is used as a soil conditioner on local farms. The food waste that ends up in the black refuse sacks goes into landfill. Landfill space in Devon is running out — it also costs council taxpayers' money and contributes to climate change through the release of gases. Cllr Sampson added: 'As well as adding to landfill, black bags can attract scavenging wildlife and create a mess. 'Our food waste caddies are designed to be secure from animals and contain smells when in the kitchen. We know that West Devon residents are keen to do their bit when it comes to recycling so if we all go the extra mile we could virtually get rid of food waste from our fortnightly, non-recyclable collections.' For tips on cutting down food waste go to http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com">www.lovefoodhatewaste.com