With Christmas Day over, households will be filled with festive rubbish until the New Year, from wrapping paper, to plastic and other packaging materials. The holiday season typically sees households generate more waste, and it can be tempting to simply toss everything into one bin for quick disposal.
However, Brits have been warned that strict rules govern what can and cannot be recycled – and penalties await those who flout them. In the UK, local councils are on high alert for improper waste disposal, particularly during this period.
Incorrect recycling or leaving rubbish out at non-designated collection times can lead to fines. Home expert Bert Hofhuis from Every Investor has offered some advice to homeowners to help them avoid fines this Christmas, as reported by Bristol Live.
Council rules at Christmas
Council specific guidelines
Council rules at Christmas vary, with each local council in the UK having its own set of rules for waste disposal and recycling. It’s vital to familiarise yourself with your council’s specific guidelines.
Collection schedules may also change during the festive season, so make sure you’re aware of any alterations to the usual timetable over Christmas and New Year.
Christmas recycling tips
Wrapping paper: As for Christmas recycling tips, not all wrapping paper can be recycled.
Avoid foil or glitter-covered paper. If it scrunches and stays scrunched, it’s likely recyclable.
Christmas cards: Cards without glitter or metallic effects are usually recyclable.
Christmas trees: Real trees can often be recycled into chippings. Check with your council for tree recycling services.
Boxes and packaging: Break down cardboard boxes, and remove any plastic packaging or polystyrene before recycling.
Food waste: Compost where possible, and check if your council collects food waste for composting.
Batteries and electronics: Batteries and old electronics shouldn’t be thrown in regular bins. Look for local e-waste recycling options.
Fines for improper waste disposal
Incorrect recycling
Placing non-recyclable items in recycling bins can lead to fines, which can vary depending on the local council but typically range from £60 to £200.
To avoid these, ensure you’re only recycling items accepted by your council.
Exceeding bin limits
Overfilled bins or extra bags beside your bin can attract fines. In some areas, the fines for exceeding bin limits can go up to £150.
Off-schedule disposal
Leaving bins out on non-collection days or outside designated times can result in fines, often around £80 to £100.
Adhere to your council’s collection schedule to avoid these penalties.
Fly-tipping
Fly-tipping Illegal dumping of waste, especially significant during post-Christmas clear-outs, can attract severe fines, ranging from £150 to £400.
In extreme cases, may lead to prosecution with much higher penalties, so always use designated waste disposal sites and services.
Special item disposal violations
Fines ranging from £50 to over £200 can be imposed for the improper disposal of special items such as electronics, batteries, and large appliances. Make sure to use local e-waste recycling options for these items.
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