RESIDENTS are being reminded of changes to bin collections across Wychavon District during Christmas and New Year.
Here are the changes affecting Droitwich residents, detailing your usual collection day and when it will take place.
Residents should check their copy of the WYCHAVON magazine, delivered this month, or our dedicated web page www.wychavon.gov.uk/Christmas for full details.
A special web page has also been created at www.malvernhills.gov.uk/festivebins with tips on recycling and waste reduction over the Christmas and New Year period, including how to avoid throwing away food.
The average family household in Worcestershire wastes £700-a-year on food and more food waste is usually generated at Christmas.
Across the UK the equivalent of 2million turkeys, 5million Christmas puddings and 74million mince pies are thrown away.
Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) are open except for on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s day.
Residents are being urged to delay having a new year clear out until later in January as social distancing restrictions remain in place at HRCs and too many people turning up at once may cause issues.
Charity shops are open and accepting donations, but restrictions are in place.
Call ahead before you visit with a donation. A list is available on our Christmas web page.
Residents are urged not to leave donations on the street outside charity shops that are closed as this is classed as fly-tipping and may lead to a fine or prosecution.
People are also encouraged to make reducing their waste a New Year’s resolution and to have a go at the 30-day zero waste challenge on the web page.
Coun Emma Stokes, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Environment and Street Scene, said: “We have seen an increase in recycling since March but the amount of waste people are generating is also on the increase.
“Reducing our waste is just one small way we can all play our part in protecting our planet and living more sustainably. I urge everyone to make it their New Year’s resolution for 2021.”
The council’s top festive tips for recycling and waste reduction this Christmas are:
Eat what you buy, plan your portions, and use up leftovers.
Use the scrunch test on wrapping paper. If it holds its shape when scrunched into a ball, then it can go in with your recycling.
Plastic pots, tubs, and trays – including those used for dips and nibbles – can be recycled if they aren’t black in colour.
Foil can’t go in your green bin, but it can be recycled at Household Recycling Centres. Scrunch it up into a ball and store it until you next have to make a visit.
Plastic toys and clothing can’t go in your green recycling bin. If in good condition, please donate to charity or sell online.
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/festivebins for more information
