Do you have lots of rubbish left over after Christmas presents and a big family lunch? Here are some tips to recycle right.
The festive season is a time of presents, food, family and joy but with that comes lots of rubbish.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s waste and recycling portfolio spokesperson Cr Scott Rowleson is reminding residents of the ways to combat Christmas waste when it piles high.
“With all of the presents and food and Christmas decorations, we often find the bins get fuller much more quickly around this time of year,” he said.
“To help residents recycle right at Christmas, we have compiled a list of what you can and can’t throw in the bin.
“As always, we remind residents to recycle responsibly and the festive season is the perfect time to get creative with how you can reuse items instead of throwing them in the bin.”
What you can recycle
Carboard boxes and wrapping paper: These are perfect items to throw in the yellow-lidded bin because they break down easily and can be transformed for other purposes at waste facilities. However, boxes and paper are also great items for kid’s craft for over the holidays, and storage options too.
Christmas food leftovers: While food scraps can’t be recycled in the yellow bins, there are other ways you canget rid of leftovers without throwing them away. Try to compost as much as possible or use your scraps for pets or worm farm food. Check out more information on how to compost here https://formstmp.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/MD-7-559.pdf
Plastic wrapping and packaging: Soft and scrunchy plastic items can be recycled through the Redcyle program. Just take you items to any Coles and Woolworths store and look for the Redcycle bins. Find out more here https://www.redcycle.net.au/what-to-redcycle/
Plastic bottles, jars and glass bottles: There are a number of Containers for Change sites around the Bundaberg Region that will take these items off your hands and pay you in return. Just a reminder, make sure you remove all lids before you take them in! Find out more here: https://www.containersforchange.com.au/qld/where-can-i-return
What you can't recycle
Tinsel and foil wrapping paper: This is a big no-no when it comes to recycling. Tinsel has small foil particles that can’t break down easily and can also get stuck in machinery. Foil wrapping paper cannot be recycled.
Fairy lights: Featuring many small electrical pieces and long cords, fairy lights cannot be recycled partly due to the risk they pose in being caught in conveyor belts.
Plastic plates and cutlery: Instead, try looking for alternatives such as bamboo cutlery and paper plates, which are recyclable and biodegradable.
Sticky tape: Cannot be recycled so make sure you rip sticky tape off your wrapping paper before placing in the yellow bin.
To keep up to date with how to recycle right over Christmas and throughout the rest of the year, follow the below Council links.
BRC Recycle Right: https://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/recycle-right
A-Z Recycling Guide: https://formstmp.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/MD-7-732.pdf
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