Slim your Bin!
Are you struggling with the move to the 3-weekly green bin collection? Having to make extra journeys to the waste recycling centre or smelly piles of rubbish stacking up by the bin each week?
We’re talking about the green bins (the one for general waste that goes to landfill) and trying to reduce how much ends up in that bin is the first challenge.
Here’s a few practical tips to help you reduce waste every day:
Top Tips for Managing Your TRASH
Reduce Waste at the Source
The best way to manage waste is to reduce it in the first place as much as you can. By keeping an eye on what we bring into our homes, we can significantly cut down on the amount of rubbish that needs to go out again. This approach also protects precious resources.
Avoid packaging: opt for loose fruit and veg and try out a refill shop that sells loose foods (in returnable containers or you take your own). You can take your own containers to the butchers too.
Consider borrowing, rather than buying: this cuts packaging waste – big-ticket items like tools, electronics & smaller furniture/decorative items come with bulky protective packaging. It also saves you money!
Opt for reusable or refillable alternatives: Avoid disposable items like paper kitchen roll & tissues. Swap to cloth shopping bags, stainless steel water bottles, and reusable coffee cups or cutlery, or sit in rather than taking away. Pack your lunch to take with you and have a coffee before you go.
Plan Meals: Meal planning can help reduce packaging & food waste. You can buy only what you need (it helps to avoid wandering around the supermarket popping random items in the trolley. Guilty!) and just the quantities you need. Remember to check your cupboards and the freezer first to see what you already have. Freeze your leftovers for a no-cook night off!
If you have a baby in the house, consider switching to reusable nappies. They aren’t as hard to deal with as it might seem and worth it even if you still use disposables while you’re out. Check out Edinburgh Real Nappy Community for info and support. You can also request special yellow bags from the Council.
2. Reuse as much as possible
Shop preloved where possible: if there’s something you need, check out the wide variety of preloved outlets and save something that’s already in circulation.
Reuse Containers: Glass jars, plastic containers, and other packaging can be repurposed for storage or DIY projects e.g. Store leftovers in a jar rather than using foil or clingfilm.
Donate Unwanted Items: Consider donating items in good condition to local charities or secondhand shops rather than binning them – Pass it on Free East Lothian is great for many things including toy, furniture and household items, Olio for food (even part used items in date). Lil’s Facebook groups, bike programme
3.Maximise Recycling
For the unavoidable waste max out your recycling. Paper, card, metals including foil, glass bottles & jars, plastic food containers and cartons, tetrepaks, food waste and batteries are all recyclable in the kerbside bags and boxes that East Lothian Council services collect.
If your product comes with unavoidable packaging, check whether it can be easily recycled, and remember foil, tin cans and glass are longer lasting and more recyclable than plastic. Avoid excessive packaging – who needs a plastic wrapped banana anyway?
Set up your system: We all know that if something is easy, we are more likely to do it so make recycling easy. Whether that’s organising and labelling your bins, putting the recycling boxes in a easy to reach location or tasking the kids to take on the job!
Sort Your Waste: Continue to sort your recyclables (see below for details of what you can and can’t place in your recycling bags & boxes) as usual. Follow the guidance on East Lothian Council’s website to make sure you prep items appropriately and put them in the right box or bag. Follow the quick links below to get the info you need:
Find other places to recycle waste that you might have normally put in landfill E.g. larger Tesco’s stores recycle soft plastics (bread bags, crisp packets etc); if you have space, start a compost bin, wormery or counter top bokashi bin for food waste.
Share the recycling info with your family. I have two teens in my house and the ‘lazy landfill’ option sees me sorting the landfill bin and recycling half of it!! Grrr!
4. Manage your landfill Waste
Hopefully, by following the above steps, there isn’t too much left to worry about! For waste that cannot be recycled, store it safely in sealed bags and boxes to prevent odours and pests.
What else can we do? Got questions? Top tips are always welcome so please pop the comments or join the Lil Community Facebook Group xx