Councils urge residents to recycle smarter this Christmas

Cllr Jan Davis, Cabinet Member at Broadland District Council, said:

Christmas is a time for celebration, but it’s also when household waste shoots up by around 30%. With a little planning and by following our simple tips, we can all enjoy the festivities while reducing waste and keeping recycling contamination to a minimum.”

Cllr Martyn Hooton, Cabinet Member at South Norfolk Council, added:

“The easiest way to reduce waste is to avoid creating it in the first place. But when that’s not possible, make sure as much as possible goes into your recycling bin. Check out our advice and discover what can be recycled. It might not be a white Christmas, but you can certainly make it a green one!”

Top Tips for a waste-wise Christmas

• Plan your shopping: Buy only what you need for Christmas and New Year. Look for half-price deals instead of ‘buy one get one free’ offers to avoid excess food waste.
• Love your leftovers: Find creative ways to use up festive leftovers. Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website for recipe ideas.
• Use reusable or recyclable gift wrap: Try the wrapping paper test - scrunch it! If it stays scrunched, it can be recycled.
• Recycle your tree: Take real trees to Norfolk County Council Recycling Centres. In South Norfolk, cut branches under 4” and pop them in your garden waste bin. In Broadland, leave your tree next to your garden waste bin between 5–16 January.
• Set up recycling stations: If you’re hosting, provide separate bins for recycling and rubbish. Keep recycling clean, dry, and loose.
• Skip disposables: Say no to paper plates and plastic cutlery.
• Buy loose produce: Choose seasonal fruit and veg and compost peelings at home or in your food waste bin if in Broadland.
• Send e-cards: They’re cheaper and better for the planet.
• Eco-friendly gift giving: Consider gifting an experience instead of material things. If giving an item go for sustainable or upcycled gifts, or thoughtful regifting. Choose gifts that can be used over and over again with minimal packaging.
• Reuse cards: Turn old cards into gift tags or next year’s cards. Most non-glittery cards can be recycled.
• Donate unwanted items: Toys, clothes and games can go to charity shops, your local recycling centre reuse shop or online platforms like Freecycle.
• Use local recycling banks: Many towns and villages have extra facilities for glass, textiles, books and CDs.
• Check before you bin: Download the new South Norfolk app, or Broadland app, for recycling advice and bin reminders, or visit the Councils’ web pages for details on what can and can’t be recycled in South Norfolk and Broadland.

Find your festive bin collection dates online or via the new South Norfolk or Broadland app and make this Christmas a little greener!