Scheduled recycling and waste collections will run normally throughout the festive period and New Year with the exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Residents who are affected by the missed weekly rubbish collections will be able to leave two black sacks next to their bin on their next collection day.
For those who will not receive their fortnightly recycling collection then excess recycling will be taken on their next collection day which must be put in a recycling bag or cardboard box. Recycling bags are available from local libraries from December 16.
Waste can be disposed of at Millhams Household Recycling Centre which is open from 8am to 5pm over the winter period although closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
There will also be Christmas tree collections running in the New Year from 6-17 January. Residents should put their tree out for collection on their scheduled refuse collection day which is also their non-recycling week.
In the event of adverse weather disrupting services, residents should leave their bins out as all efforts will be made to collect them as soon as conditions improve.
Councillor Michael Filer, portfolio holder for Transport, Cleansing & Waste, said:
“Bournemouth has an excellent record for managing its rubbish, with 81 per cent now recycled or composted, rather than going to landfill. Let us keep up the good work this Christmas by only throwing away what is necessary. By thinking before we use our dustbins, we can all recycle more and waste less. Finally, I send my personal greetings and best wishes to everyone for the festive season and for continued success in the New Year.”
In addition the waiting list to register for the green waste collection scheme for 2014, closes on Friday 20 December 2013. If you are on the list, you will be contacted in January to say whether the 2014 scheme is being extended to include you. To register email your name and address and phone number to [email protected] or telephone on 01202 451199. Those already on the list or are already in the scheme do not need to re-register. Between April and November this year 4182.6 tonnes of green waste were collected by Bournemouth Council.
Traditionally, the festive period results in greater amounts of waste and recycling than usual. Some tips for reducing your seasonal waste are:
- Turn this year’s Christmas cards into next year’s gift tags
- Use seasonal greenery such as ivy, laurel and holly from your garden for decoration and compost afterwards
- Switch to LED Christmas lights to save energy
- Opt for rechargeable batteries for children’s toys
- Use a reusable Christmas stocking for smaller gifts rather than wrapping paper
- Make a conscious effort to buy items with less packaging
- Try not to overbuy on food, especially perishables, to avoid having to bin excess and freeze or reuse leftovers in soups, stews and next day lunches (check out the Lovefoodhatewaste.com for festive recipes)
- Recycle or compost as much as you can!
