WASTEFUL homeowners in Buck-inghamshire are chucking out 23,000 tonnes of food every year - most of which could have been eaten.

The Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire has now launched a campaign called Love Food Hate Waste, which reveals that a staggering third of all food bought in the UK is put in the bin.

Councillor Martin Tett, chairman of the joint waste committee said: "The Love Food Hate Waste campaign is an excellent way of providing residents with practical hints and tips on how they can reduce their food waste.

"The Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire will be promoting these key messages locally, helping reduce the amount of biodegradable waste being disposed at landfill."

The statistic follows research carried out earlier this year by WRAP, the Waste and Resources Action Programme, which shows that for every three bags of food shopping we bring home, we effectively put one straight in the bin.

And now that Halloween is over the partnership wants to remind everyone that their unwanted pumpkins can be made into delicious recipes such as lasagne, soup or pie. Any bits of it that aren't used, such as the seeds and the old lantern shell, can be added to a home composting bin.

The national campaign was launched by celebrity chef and presenter Ainsley Harriott.

He said: "The amount of food we throw away is criminal and we all need to take action and start changing our behaviour. That's why I'm supporting Love Food Hate Waste."

The energy used to produce, package, transport and store food which could have been eaten, but instead ends up being thrown away is the equivalent of at least 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

Dr Liz Goodwin, WRAP chief executive, said: "Our research showed that 90 per cent of us are completely unaware of the amount of food we all throw away. Once attention is drawn to it however, we know that people are surprised and keen to take action."