Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start – and that starts with food. With a few simple changes, you can save time, cut your food bill and help Wales move from 2nd to 1st in the world for recycling.
The cost of binning good food
Food waste still makes up around a quarter of the average rubbish bin in Wales, and most of it could have been eaten. For a household of four, that’s around £84 a month thrown away.
It’s often good, nutritious food too – fruit, vegetables, potatoes, fruit, and meat like chicken – the very foods that help keep us healthy.
When almost 80% of us are worried about the cost of food and 55% of us say we’re concerned about eating well, throwing good food in the bin simply doesn’t make sense.
A smarter way to cook: Prep it. Flex it. Recycle it.
This spring, it’s all about cooking smart by making food stretch further, and Wales Recycles has a simple formula for busy lives.
Prep it – Set aside a little time to cook a simple base dish with what you’ve already got in the fridge and cupboard. You’ll save money, boost the goodness and stop good food going to waste.
Flex it – Serve it in different ways across the week to save time, satisfy picky eaters and keep things interesting.
Recycle it – Any veggie stalks, bones or inedible bits? Straight into the food caddy!
It’s a no-brainer formular that helps you eat well, save money and make life easier on busy days.
Ready to get started? Here are three easy springtime recipes to help you prep it, flex it and recycle it.
Visit Wales Recycles to discover more ways to enhance your meals, and you could also be in with the chance of winning an awesome Welsh adventure.
Citrus Chicken (or Chickpea) Protein Pot – Fresh, zesty and perfect for spring
This bright, flavour-packed dish is perfect for busy spring weeks when you want something lighter without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep it: Start with a simple base of onion and garlic, gently fried until soft. Add chicken thighs or breasts (or chickpeas for a plant-based option) and cook until lightly golden. Stir through lemon or orange zest and juice, a splash of stock and herbs like thyme or oregano, then let it simmer until tender and juicy.
Supercharge it with whatever veg you’ve got to hand – peppers, courgette, spinach, spring greens or peas – to boosting the goodness and make the dish stretch further.
Flex it: With rice or couscous and a dollop of yogurt on day one, spoon it through pasta with some of the cooking juices the next, then shred it into wraps or pittas with salad for a quick lunch.
Recycle it: And remember, citrus peel, onion skins and any veg trimmings go straight into your food caddy.
Speedy Supercharged Stir Fry – fresh, flexible and ready in minutes
This quick, colourful stir fry is made for busy evenings when time is tight but you still want something fresh and nourishing.
Prep it: Heat a little oil in a large pan or wok, fry sliced onion and garlic, then add your protein of choice and cook until golden. Stir through soy sauce, a splash of stock or water, a squeeze of citrus or rice vinegar, and a little ginger or chilli if you like.
Supercharge it: With whatever vegetables need using up – broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, carrots, sugarsnap peas or spring greens!
Flex it: Serve it with noodles for a speedy midweek dinner, spoon it over rice or grains for easy meal-prep lunches, or wrap it in lettuce cups or tortillas for something lighter.
Recycle it: Any bones, stalks or inedible peelings? Into the food caddy – not the bin.
Spring Veg Traybake – seasonal, colourful and made to last
This easy traybake is a true spring staple.
Prep it: Chop a mix of seasonal veg such as new potatoes, carrots, red onion, peppers and broccoli. Toss with olive oil, garlic and herbs, then roast until golden and tender.
Supercharge it: with whenever veg you have on hand – courgette, mushrooms, tomatoes or your protein of choice – chickpeas, halloumi, chicken, tofu or sausages.
Flex it: Enjoy it warm straight from the oven, pile leftovers into wraps or sandwiches the next day, or top with a fried egg for a quick lunch later in the week.
Recycle it: And as always, peelings, herb stalks and any inedible bits belong in your food caddy.
How to renew your garden waste subscription – Wrexham Council News
Renew your green bin collections for 2026/27 – collections begin from April!
