With Christmas just around the corner, Chichester District Council is urging residents to recycle as much as possible to help cut down on household waste.
The council says waste levels typically rise over the festive period and is reminding people that cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, Christmas cards and most festive food and drink packaging can all be recycled.
Residents are also being asked to make sure recycling is clean, dry and loose, and to check bin collection dates over Christmas, which will change.
"We do tend to see waste levels increase over the Christmas period, so we are keen to encourage residents to recycle as much as possible and help reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying the festive season," says Councillor Mark Chilton, Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Contract Services at Chichester District Council.
"When unwrapping your presents and gifts this Christmas, please remember that cardboard boxes; packaging; wrapping paper; Christmas cards; and, envelopes, can all be recycled.
"The packaging from our favourite festive food and drink products, such as such as plastic confectionary tubs, plastic food and meat trays, foil mince pie cases, glass bottles and jars, can all be placed in your burgundy recycling bin.
"Residents can also help us recycle as much as possible by making sure your recycling is clean, so free from food and drink leftovers (a quick rinse off will often do); dry, by keep your recycling bin lid shut (wet paper and cardboard cannot be recycled and can stick to other items or clog up the sorting machinery); and, loose, so not tied up in plastic bags.
"If you have extra recycling that you can't fit into your recycling bin, please keep it dry and place it in a loosely tied black sack next to your recycling bin on your collection day. Excess cardboard should be flattened and folded or cut down to a manageable size for a single crew member to handle.
"We also want to highlight and make people aware of items that unfortunately cannot be recycled. These include: shiny or metallic wrapping paper; bubble wrap; polystyrene; ribbons and bows; and, plastic film and wrapping. If you need to dispose of these, please make sure they are placed in your black waste bin or re-use where possible."
The council is also reminding people that recycling and waste collection dates will be altering over the Christmas period. Residents can view their personal collection dates on the 'Check Your Bin Day' page.
Residents can also receive bin collection reminders on their phone through the Chichester District Council app. The app allows residents to receive personalised notifications and updates on recycling and waste collections; set automated bin collection reminders; and, to report issues quickly and easily, such as fly tipping or requesting a new bin. The app is available to download now from Google and Apple app stores. For more information, please visit the Chichester District Council app web page.
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