Tis the season to…. waste less and recycle more!

It is estimated that almost a third of waste is generated at Christmas compared with other times of the year.  

There are lots of easy hints and tips to follow to do your bit and waste less food and recycle more. 

Councillor Richard Morris, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: 

 “Many of us tend to buy more than we need at Christmas whilst spending time with our loved ones. We might not even know we’re doing it as it’s a hectic time of the year and many of us are out having fun. 

“But it’s worth knowing that we generate around a third more waste over the festive season. 

“The good news is, so many people do their bit to help reduce waste. There’re loads of small things we can do to that will make a huge difference to help reduce the amount of waste we are generating. And this year we have our two dachshunds, Santa Paws and Rudog to help remind us too! 

“I'd like to thank everyone in advance for all their efforts to recycle over the festive period and here's to a greener New Year!" 

Throughout December, Worcestershire County Council will be sharing hints and tips for people to reduce their waste and save money. It will include handy reminders about planning meals, getting creative with leftovers, and thinking about recycling our bottles, cans, cards, and even real Christmas trees. 

One of the County Council’s main priorities is to encourage people to reduce, reuse, repair, recycle and compost more. In doing this we will use less raw materials and save energy whilst protecting natural resources and reducing carbon emissions. All of this will help the County Council to achieve its ambition of being a Net Zero Council by 2050. 

The County Council is responsible for disposing of household waste, sustainably, from homes across the county. 

Kerbside collections of rubbish & recycling are a District Council responsibility and may be changing because of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Check with your local District Council for any changes that are happening. 

If you are not sure which bin to put waste in, there is a handy guide on the Let's Waste Less website.

To find out how to reduce waste, check out the County Council’s social media channels throughout December where the antics of Santa Paws and Rudog will highlight how people can reduce their waste and recycle more.