Since it was launched yesterday, all 330 garden composter bins have now been allocated by those who completed the online form.

The exceptional response to the expansion has meant that the second phase of the pilot has now also closed.

As was the case back in August at the phase one launch, limited number of composters were made available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Successful applicants again had to meet the criteria, including having a garden with suitable space to store the bin and agreeing to take part in an evaluation exercise.

Funding for the composters was made available through the Climate Emergency Fund.

Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: “This increasingly popular project will help us to understand what the attitude is towards home composting across South Lanarkshire.

“That’s why it is vital for those taking part agreed to be part of the consultation exercise before being allocated one of the garden composters.

“Compost can of course be used for a range of things including helping new outdoor plants and flowers bloom, fertilising lawns and creating a compost tea to provide nutrients to indoor plants.

“It also helps save money and by using composters we are turning waste into a valuable resource.”

More details on the benefits of home composting can be found on the Zero Waste Scotland website