SIR - Peter Alcock's letter (September 19) referred to the use of food waste disposers as a means of reducing waste.

He quotes this means as being particularly suitable for people who have small gardens and for whom composting may not be a viable option.

I am surprised Mr Alcock is in the dark over details of the financial help the county council provides towards the cost of buying and fitting a food waste disposer.

The county council has advertised its Sink Your Waste cashback scheme widely across the county.

People can claim up to £80 cashback against the cost of buying and fitting one. Food waste disposers are available from £47.88 for a machine suitable for two people. A family-sized waste disposer is likely to cost about £150. The amount of cashback from the county council depends on the amount spent.

For instance, people can claim £20 cashback on a spend of up to £100, cashback of £50 for spend of £100-£200, and £80 cashback if the total spend is over £200. Waste disposers are available from kitchen showrooms, builders' and plumbers' merchants, DIY stores and mail order.

To obtain the cashback, residents need to first buy and install a food waste disposer, then complete a claim form and send it back to the county council with a copy of their receipt.

More information can be obtained by phoning 01905 766883 or online at www.sinkyourwaste.com.

JEREMY HOWELL-THOMAS, Project development officer Worcestershire County Council.