New Year clear out
Make the most of the post- festive season and get your house in order.
That’s the message from Zero Waste Scotland to residents in Ayrshire, who are offering tips and advice for people to help them get rid of mountains of empty boxes, wrapping paper and food and drink containers.
Scots are expected to have used upwards of 19,000 miles of wrapping paper at Christmas – enough to wrap the coast of mainland Scotland more than two and a half times, according to charity WRAP.
A poll, carried out by Survation for Zero Waste Scotland, found over two thirds ( 69 per cent) of respondents plan on recycling wrapping paper from opened presents.
Here are some tips for tackling post- festive season waste:
Always check online before you intend using recycling services or centres.
Think about the environment
– make a plan and think about where your waste can go.
Ask for help – but don’t take up offers of cheap disposal, it could lead to others flytipping your items. Always ask to see a waste carriers license.
Flytipping includes leaving items beside street bins, bottle banks or clothing banks and outside closed charity shops.
Make the most of your local recycling services – check online to see what your recycling centre accepts and sort your materials before you leave, so as much as possible can be recycled.
Check your local authority website - to see opening hours, rules for access and availability slots.
Can small electrical goods be recycled? – household items such as kettles, vacuum cleaners, toasters and hairdryers can often be reused.
Most recycling centres have specific facilities to drop off small electricals.
Stay safe – if you or a member of your household are showing symptoms of coronavirus, stay at home and be sure to double- bag waste and store it for 72 hours before putting it in your general waste bin.
Zero Waste Scotland chief executive, Iain Gulland, said: “Once the wrapping paper is ripped off presents and packaging discarded in excitement, we need to start thinking about what to do with it.
“Some council bin collection services may have been operating at a reduced level over the festive period and there may also be delays in some areas due to adverse weather conditions.
“This can contribute to more people having to find space within their homes for recyclable waste and could lead to longer queues at Household Waste and Recycling Centres.
“By planning ahead and organising recyclable waste beforehand, people can save time and help keep centres operating smoothly.”