Being bin savvy this Christmas

It’s Christmas, the most joyous but hectic time of all. In the mad rush on the run up to the big day, remember to check your bin collection schedules as dates may have changed over the holidays. Due to the Christmas bank holidays, household waste collections are prioritised. So, your recycling bin might go a little longer between pick-ups.

If you have extra recycling, don’t worry. Just put loose recycling in clear or white bags next to your bin. For cardboard, flatten it and put it into one box.

We know that everyone has extra rubbish at Christmas. That's why, on your first household bin collection after Christmas Day, we will take side rubbish. Please make sure it’s bagged and placed next to your bin.

For full details, check your bin calendar at www.wakefield.gov.uk/where-i-live

Christmas often means more packaging, food waste, and decorations. It’s important you know what can and can’t be recycled. Clean foil, cardboard boxes and , glass jars can all be recycled. Please don’t put any shredded, waxed, greaseproof paper in your recycling bins.

If you have any old batteries or electrical items to get rid of, take them to a recycling centre, bring site, or supermarket battery point. This includes Christmas lights, old gadgets and children’s toys. It’s important you dispose of them safely. They can cause fires in bin wagons and in waste sites.

Remember to reuse, upcycle and donate if you can. Glass jars and bottles are great for storage and decoration, whilst gift wrap (ribbons, boxes and bags) can be saved for the next special occasion. If you’re clearing out old clothes, donate them to charity shops or clothing banks so they can be reused or recycled.

When it’s time to put away your Christmas tree, consider donating artificial trees in good condition to a local school or community group. If you chose a real tree this year, you could recycle it and help raise funds for vital care and local families at the same time.

The volunteers at the Wakefield Hospice Christmas Tree Collection can collect and recycle real Christmas trees in exchange for a donation. Or you can register your real tree and in exchange for a donation, The Prince of Wales Hospice will arrange to pick up your tree after the festive period.

Thank you for helping keep Wakefield clean and green this Christmas.