Chichester District residents encouraged to recycle as much as possible this Christmas

“Waste levels tend to increase over the Christmas period, so the council are keen to encourage residents to recycle as much as possible and help reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying the festive season,” says Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council.

“When you’re unwrapping your presents this Christmas, please remember that cardboard boxes, packaging, wrapping paper, Christmas cards and envelopes, can all be recycled.”

“The packaging from our favourite festive food and drink products, such as plastic confectionary tubs, meat trays, packaging and wrapping, foil mince pie cases, glass bottles and jars, can all be placed in your burgundy recycling bin.

“So that we recycle as much as possible, you can help by making sure your recycling is:• Clean – free from food and drink leftovers (rinse off/out before disposing)• Dry – keep your recycling bin lid shut (soggy paper and cardboard cannot be recycled and can clog up the sorting machinery)• Loose – not tied up in plastic bags

“We also want to highlight and make people aware of items that unfortunately cannot be recycled. These items include: shiny or metallic wrapping paper, polystyrene, ribbons and bows, and plastic film and wrapping. If you need to dispose of these, please make sure they in your black waste bin or re-use where possible.”

Residents can dispose of their real Christmas trees by using the St Wilfrid’s Hospice charity collection scheme, which will run from 7–10 January 2023.

“Following the success of the scheme in recent years, we are pleased to be working with St Wilfrid’s Hospice again to recycle as many Christmas trees as we can, all while supporting a brilliant cause,” adds Penny. “If you buy a real tree this year, and you’re not signed up to our Garden Recycling Service, please consider using St Wilfrid’s pick-up service and kindly make a donation to their charity – their friendly team of volunteers will collect your tree and we will ensure it is recycled! You will help raise vital funds for a local charity close to our hearts and help reduce your environmental impact this Christmas.”

People can find out about the scheme by visiting: https://stwh.co.uk/Christmas-trees/ or calling: 01243 775302.

We would also like to advise that there will be some slight changes to waste and recycling collections over the Christmas period. Residents can download and print out their own personalised collection calendar at: www.chichester.gov.uk/wastecollectioncalendar

Residents can also receive bin collection reminders on their phone through the new Chichester District Council app. The app allows residents to receive personalised notifications and updates on waste and recycling collections, set automated bin collection reminders, and to report issues quickly and easily, such as fly tipping or request a new bin. The app is available to download now from Google and Apple app stores. For more information, please visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/ChichesterDCApp