 Bin collections continue on bank holiday
Our waste and recycling collections will continue on the upcoming bank holiday next Monday (29 August).
However, our crews will hit the streets from 5.30am, an hour earlier than usual. So, please be sure to put your waste out the night before to avoid being missed.
You can check your collection day on our website.
 You said, we listened
As you may remember, we asked for your views about this newsletter in early July. Many of you have responded and given us lots of valuable suggestions on how to make this newsletter more useful and relevant to you.
We were glad to hear that almost 80 per cent of respondents are either satisfied or very satisfied with the newsletter, and 90 per cent frequently read it.
On content, 97 per cent find the information we provide in the newsletter relevant to them, and most find the updates about our waste services helpful.
However, readers do want to see more in-depth content in different aspects of recycling (for example, recycling of glass and plastics) and how to re-use and re-purpose waste.
As for the frequency, there are views that the newsletter could change to fortnightly or monthly.
Next Steps
We are thankful to all who have taken time to give us their views and comments about this newsletter. Going forward, starting from September,
- the newsletter will change from weekly to fortnightly. The first issue in September will be on 7 September (Wednesday), followed by the next on 21 September.
- updates about our waste services will continue to be covered in every issue, when available.
- more in-depth features will be introduced to dive deep into the world of recycling in the borough
We hope, by making these changes, the newsletter will provide even better information that helps you reduce waste and recycle more.
 Back-to-school recycling tips
In the last issue of this newsletter, we shared on donating unwanted school uniforms. This week, let’s look into how you can further reduce waste for the start of a new school year.
Re-use and recycle school supplies
Take inventory of supplies at home, before you go school shopping. You may find backpacks, pencil boxes, and other supplies like scissors from last year that can be reused.
If you find any old pens that are no longer needed, you may be able to recycle them. Terracycle runs a Writing Instruments Free Recycling Programme, which accepts different types of stationery like correction tapes and fluid pots, highlighters, felt tips, pens, mechanical pencils and more.
Taking part in this programme is free. Simply take your recycling to a participating drop-off point near you or ship them to Terracycle.
Find out more about this programme on the Terracycle website.
If new supplies are needed, try swapping to more eco-friendly options so that you can reduce the use of single-use plastics. For example, refillable pens may last a very long time. You can be crafty and turn your old denim jeans into a pencil case. Try searching for ideas and inspirations for upcycling online.
 Pack waste-free lunches
Why not challenge yourself to prepare waste-free packed lunches for your children in the new school year?
Your children may have been bringing a re-useable sandwich box to school. For a new start, you may consider using a reusable beeswax wrap, which can help you get rid of cling film or foil.
Beeswax wraps are made from cotton coated with food-grade beeswax. Apart from being an alternative natural food wrap, it can also be used as a lid to cover bowls or plates of food. Since they are coated, they are water-resistant and able to keep food fresh.
You can make your own beeswax wraps. Check it out on the National History Museum website.
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