Council offers recycling tips to reduce Christmas waste

Redlands Coast residents are encouraged to play their part in reducing the amount of recyclable material ending up in landfill during the festive season.

Mayor Karen Williams said items like wrapping paper, cardboard boxes and Christmas cards could be recycled using Council’s yellow-lid bins.

“Recycling is important all-year round but particularly during the festive season when households tend to generate more waste,” Cr Williams said.

“About 17 per cent of what Council collects from kerbside general waste bins every week consists of packaging and containers that could be recycled in the yellow-lid recycling bin.

“Households can play a role in reducing this figure by ensuring waste and recyclables are placed in the correct bin.

“Items like wrapping paper and hard plastics can be recycled, while cellophane, polystyrene and bubble wrap should be disposed of in a general waste bin.

“Reusing certain items like tinsel, twine, ribbon and gift boxes can also help households reduce the amount of waste they generate during the festive season.

“It really is quite easy to decide whether to be on the naughty or nice list when it comes to managing waste and recycling.”

Cr Williams said residents could brush up on proper recycling practices with Council’s online A-Z waste and recycling guide or by downloading the Recycle Mate app.

“There are five material types that can be recycled in your yellow-lid bin – paper, cardboard, glass jars and bottles, plastic containers, and aluminium and steel cans,” Cr Williams said.

“The festive season may also be a good opportunity to consider adopting other recycling practices such as starting a compost bin or worm farm for food scraps or getting a green waste bin for all your garden organics.

“You can also find top tips for festive recycling and waste reduction on Council’s website, along with an overview of how to dispose of electronic waste like TVs, computers, batteries and all items with a power cord.

“We all have a role to play in reducing household waste and keeping Redlands Coast naturally wonderful.”

Tips for Christmas recycling:

If you’re running out of space in your recycling bin, upgrade to a 340L bin with no extra annual fee and a small $32 establishment fee, or order an extra bin Wrapping paper can go in the yellow recycling bin, or keep it and reuse next year or for craft activities Put Christmas cards in the recycling bin or cut up to make gift cards for next year Cardboard boxes and hard plastic packaging (only from your kitchen, bathroom or laundry) go in the recycling bin Polystyrene, cellophane and other soft plastics like bubble wrap cannot be recycled kerbside and will need to be placed in the red-lid bin Tinsel can be re-used but if it’s no longer usable, it belongs in the general waste kerbside bin Batteries – do not place in kerbside bins; visit bcycle.com.au to find your nearest location for drop off Empty bottles and cans can go in the recycling bin, or take them to Containers for Change BBQ Gas bottles – do not place in kerbside bins; take them back to the retailer or drop them off at one of Council’s Recycling and Waste Centres Download the new Recycle Mate app (from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store) for a handy pocket guide on how to recycle right or visit Council’s online A-Z guide of waste and recycling