Chichester District Council is reminding residents of the many ways that they can recycle their waste to help reduce their environmental impact this Christmas.
Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council, says: “Over Christmas we tend to generate more waste than usual and so we are keen to help residents recycle as much as possible at this time of year.
“When you’re unwrapping your presents this Christmas, remember that cardboard boxes and packaging, wrapping paper and empty tubes, Christmas cards and envelopes, can all be recycled.
“The packaging from many of our favourite Christmas food and drink products such as plastic confectionary tubs and meat trays, foil mince pie cases, glass bottles and jars, and empty chocolate advent calendars, can also be placed in your burgundy bin.
“So that we can recycle as much as possible, you can help us by making sure your recycling is:
- Clean – free from food and drink leftovers (a quick rinse will do).
- Dry – keep your recycling bin lid shut (soggy paper and cardboard can’t be recycled and can clog up the machinery when sorted).
- Loose – not tied up in plastic bags.
“We also want to make people aware of some of the items that unfortunately cannot be recycled. These include: polystyrene, shiny or metallic wrapping paper, ribbons and bows, and plastic film and wrapping. If you need to dispose of any of these items, please make sure they go in your black waste bin or re-use them where possible.”
Residents can dispose of their real Christmas trees using the St Wilfrid’s Hospice charity collection scheme again this year, which will run from Wednesday 6 – Tuesday 26 January 2021.
“Following the success of the scheme last year, we are really pleased to be joining forces with St Wilfrid’s Hospice again to recycle as many Christmas trees as we can, while also supporting a fantastic cause,” adds Cllr Plant. “If you are not signed up to our Garden Recycling Service, this is a great way to ensure your Christmas tree is recycled whilst supporting the hospice charity.
“If you buy a real tree this year, once you have finished with it, please sign up for the St Wilfrid’s pick-up service and make a donation to their charity – their team of volunteers will collect your tree and we will ensure it is recycled! You will be helping to raise vital funds for a charity very close to our hearts and making sure that your tree is recycled.”
People can find out more about this scheme by visiting stwh.co.uk/support-us/events/christmastrees or calling 01243 755 184.
There will also be some slight changes to waste and recycling collections over the Christmas period. Residents can download and print out their own personalised collection calendar at http://www.chichester.gov.uk/wastecollectioncalendar
The Garden Recycling Service will stop over Christmas and New Year from Friday 18 December and will start again on Monday 4 January 2021. Residents who are signed up to this service can use it to recycle their real Christmas tree.
Residents can find more information and recycling advice in the winter issue of Initiatives magazine. Useful hints and tips about waste reduction and recycling will also be shared on the council’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil and on Twitter @ChichesterDC, throughout December.
