Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Bulletin | 14 May 2021
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Show your old clothes some love! If you're giving having a Spring clear-out of your wardrobe there's no need to throw these items away! Drop them off at a charity shop or use a local clothing bank to reduce waste and help others in the process. Get more ideas for making the most of your unloved clothes at loveyourclothes.org.uk/recycle-your-clothes
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Paying a private company to clear some waste? Always check their credentials and get a receipt - Households across the country are spring cleaning and decluttering - if you're thinking of paying someone to take your waste away always ask to see their Waste Carriers Licence and get a receipt. Unlicensed waste carriers are more likely to fly-tip your waste and you would be libel for the cost of removal and could receive a fine of up to £400. All licensed waste carriers will be listed on the Environment Agency website environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers
- The size of your recycling matters! Ever find you run out of space in your recycling bin? By flattening your boxes and squashing cans and plastic bottles you can dramatically increase the number of items in your bin - by four times or more!
A third of the rubbish in an average household bin is food waste!
Joining our food waste recycling scheme can reduce your impact on the environment, and help you to save money on your food bill by cutting down on waste. You can even recycle cooked food scraps, meat, and dairy.
Once we've collected your food waste it goes to a local 'in-vessel composting facility' and turned into soil conditioner to be used by local farmers and gardeners!
Sign-up here: lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk - food waste
The district's recycling rate has risen significantly over recent years, to 41%. However the amount we recycle only tells half the story.
It's vital for the environment that we are cutting the amount that we throw away and reducing your waste will save your household money too.
We are encouraging residents to 'slim your bin' - here's how:
- Reducing your waste is best - could you avoid buying it in the first place?
- Reusing is better (than recycling) - do you need to throw it away, can it be used for longer or can it be used for something else?
- Recycling your waste is still good - if you no longer need it, can it be recycled?
Here are some of our favourite tips to give you some inspiration!
Food waste
- Only buy the food you need - make a list and stick to it!
- Make great use of your leftovers - for tasty recipe ideas visit the Love Food Hate Waste website
- Make food last long by storing it correctly
- Compost the food that you can't eat such as egg shells, fruit and veg peeling and used biodegradable tea bags.
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Plastic tubs, pot, trays and bottles
- Cut the number of single-use drinks bottles you use - grab a reusable bottle to take with you and refill when out.
- Use plastic tubs and pots to store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
- Reuse plastic trays for growing seeds.
- Remember - if recycling these items, always wash, squash, put any lids back on (to keep them squashed!) before popping them in your recycling bin.
Cardboard boxes
- Try to choose products with less packaging - buying locally rather than ordering online helps a lot.
- Always flatten and tear cardboard boxes so they take up much less room in your recycling bin
Small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Batteries
- Using rechargeable batteries have a much smaller carbon footprint, are more convenient and will save you money!
- Many shops and supermarkets have dedicated battery recycling bins at the front of the shop.
- It's really important to never put batteries (or items containing batteries) in your recycling bin as this is the main cause of recycling vehicle fires.
Newspapers, magazines and junk mail
- Create less waste by reading articles online.
- Reduce the amount of junk mail you get by registering for the Mail Preferences Service
- Displaying a 'no junk mail' notice by your letter box.
- Give old newspapers and magazines to a local school or friends with children so they can create a collage or papier-mâché model!
- Clean dry paper can be placed in your recycling bin.
Lewes Repair Café is a free monthly event that is open to everyone.
At the repair café a team of volunteers will mend anything from electrical appliances to broken zips, as well as bicycles, china, jewellery, shoes and boots and other household treasures.
You can also join them for tea, coffee and tasty treats!
Their café is open for people waiting for their item to be looked at and is a community event that welcomes everyone who wants to come along and see what they do.
The repair café is held on the third Saturday of every month from 2pm to 5pm. Last repairs are booked in at 4.30pm.
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Don't forget the Great British Spring Clean 2021 is just two weeks away!
Find out how you can get involved at www.keepbritaintidy.org
And find out how Lewes District Council is supporting local litter pick groups at lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/bins-waste-and-recycling/litterpick
We are trialling some new recycling lorries over the coming weeks so you may notice them looking a little different when they empty your bins!
Rest assured it’s the same great team taking care of your bins – so if you spot them out on their rounds, please give them a wave, it’s always really appreciated!
If you would like to stay up to date with information about other services, such as planning, consultations, recycling and tourism, please click manage preferences below.
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