How to dispose of your unwanted waste | Recycle your tree | What to do if you see fly-tipping
A combination of households still dealing with packaging and wrapping paper, along with most of the nation having returned to work and school, and reduced bin collections over the festive period are said to be to blame.
You can play your part to help fight the new year fly-tippers. Visit our fly-tipping hub to read more about the impact of fly-tipping, how you can play your part, and to download our FREE poster.
Tips for disposing of your unwanted waste:
- Make sure that people who collect your waste are registered waste carriers. Ask for their waste carrier number and a receipt which includes the business address. Phone 03708 506 506 to check their status.
- Take it to your local household waste recycling centre - visit your local authority’s website for details.
- Arrange collection of difficult items e.g. fridges by your local council.
- Give away what you don’t need through Freecycle™ - it’s a great way to recycle unwanted goods and saves them going to landfill www.freecycle.org
- Donate unwanted goods to charity or local community furniture projects. Some charities even offer a collection service.
How to dispose of your Christmas tree
If you opted for a real tree this year, there are lots of ways you can recycle it:
- Council collections - Lots of councils offer a special tree collection service over the festive period. Check with your local authority or watch out for a leaflet through the door or a sticker on your bin.
- Compost it - If you have a small tree, consider composting it or putting it in your garden waste bin.
- Recycling centre - Your local recycling centre is another good place to get rid of your tree responsibly – check it out before you make the trip.
- Community collection - Find out if your local residents association organises a Christmas tree collection in your street.
Don’t forget to remove all decorations and pots before you dispose of your tree!
- Get someone else to do it! If you don’t have the time (or the inclination) to get rid of your tree, there are companies out there you can pay to not only undress your tree, but will remove it and sweep up the needles too! Find out more information.
More information and ideas - Visit Recycle Now for more information on how to recycle your Christmas tree.
What happens to recycled Christmas trees?
Trees are usually shredded into chippings which are then used locally in parks or woodland areas.
What to do if you come across illegal fly-tipping:
- Be vigilant. If you discover large-scale fly-tipping or hazardous fly-tipped waste contact the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.
- Report cases of fly-tipping to your local authority. The quicker cases are reported, the more chance there is of catching the culprits.
- Don't forget, fly-tipping is an illegal activity and should be reported to the police (non-emergency number 101).