Residents of Broxbourne are being called on to make a genuine difference to the environment this Christmas.
Although recycling is an option, and is far better than putting items in the bin, the Council is encouraging households to consider how they can reduce the amount of waste they produce in the first place:
- Avoid items wrapped in single-use plastic, especially stocking fillers
- Send emails or make cards to avoid buying ones in a plastic wrapper
- Use washable plates and cutlery rather than disposable ones
- Reuse old gift bags instead of buying new wrapping paper.
Reducing the amount of food waste is also very important. Every year in the UK, 74 million mince pies, five million Christmas puddings and two million turkeys are disposed of that are still edible. This results in almost 270,000 tonnes of food waste.
There are easy things that the public can do to reduce this. Planning menus in advance and buying only what is needed will reduce the amount of leftover food, whilst using leftovers or freezing immediately will reduce the amount of waste produced.
The Council’s Recycling Points will be open over the Christmas period, but residents are advised that the Points should only be used to deposit recyclable material. Non-recyclable material should be taken to the Household Waste and Recycling Centres located in Hoddesdon and Turnford.
If the recycling point is full, residents should use a different one or take it home and return on another day. Material should not be left on the floor of the Recycling Point as that is fly-tipping, which is an offence. Residents can report a full recycling Point by calling the Council’s helpline on 01992 785577.