Ho, ho, ho, how much do you waste at Christmas?
Cardinia Shire residents are being urged to play their part when it comes to reducing our environmental impact this Christmas.
Every December in Australia, more than 5 million tonnes of festive leftovers, wasted food and packaging is estimated to end up in landfill once the festivities have come to an end.
Here are a few simple steps to conduct post-Christmas disposal at home:
- Plastic plates and cutlery cannot be recycled, so choose reusable.
- Plan your meals and write out shopping lists to avoid unnecessary waste.
- Old batteries or broken fairy lights are e-waste and cannot be put in kerbside bins. These can be recycled at one of Cardinia’s e-waste drop offs: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/ewaste
- Cardboard boxes can be recycled in your recycling bin (yellow lid) or if you have too many larger boxes visit Cleanaway Lysterfield for free drop-offs.
- Tinsel cannot be recycled, so reuse it for crafts or donate it to a cause that needs more decorations.
- Reuse your real Christmas tree to make coasters or ornaments for next year, otherwise, trees can be mulched for the garden, cut up and put in the food and garden waste bin, or put out with your next bookable hard waste collection for composting.
- Do not forget reusing is good for the planet so keep all gift bags and wrapping paper handy for next year.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Brett Owen has a simple message for the community with regards to your recycling bin – if in doubt, keep it out.
“We can all play a part to help protect the environment over this festive season.
“Try sending e-cards and emails instead of Christmas cards and letters, or wrap gifts in cloth or a tea towel instead of wrapping paper.
“Gifting experiences instead of material items is another great idea as well as making space in your fridge and freezer for leftovers.
“Christmas is a time where we are more thoughtful and giving to our loved ones and this year. We should also be a little more thoughtful and giving to our environment,” Cr Owen said.
Residents are reminded that bin collections still occur on public holidays however they will be slightly earlier on Christmas Day, allowing drivers to get home and see their families sooner. Bins should be put out the night before to ensure they are collected.
