As the holiday season approaches, we are committed to supporting local businesses in managing their waste efficiently and responsibly. We hope this festive period is bringing you increased footfall and sales, but the downside of this can be your business produces more recycling and rubbish. So we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate this busy time while maintaining effective waste management practices.
Preparing for increased waste volume
Anticipating the rise in waste during the holiday season is the first simple step. We recommend looking at your current waste management plan and considering an increase in collection frequency if necessary. Ensuring you have bin capacity is essential to prevent overflow and maintain a clean, welcoming environment for your customers and staff. If bin space is something your business struggles with, why not join our On Demand service where we can collect from your business in as little as one hour. Read more about this service here and see if we collect in your area.
Maximising recycling efforts
Recycling plays a large role in sustainable waste management, particularly during the holidays. Here's a reminder of what can be recycled:
- Cardboard and paper: Flatten boxes and remove any non-paper packaging before recycling.
- Glass bottles and jars: Rinse before disposing in glass recycling bins.
- Plastic bottles and containers: Ensure these are empty and clean before recycling.
- Metal cans and tins: Rinse and place in the appropriate recycling bin.
Remember, wrapping paper without glitter or foil can also be recycled. However, ribbons and bows should be reused or disposed of in general waste.
Managing food waste
For businesses in the hospitality sector, proper food waste management is particularly important during this period. Utilise your food waste bins for all food items. To find out what is classed as food waste, please visit our dedicated food waste page here. Consider partnering with local charities to donate excess, unspoiled food, contributing to both waste reduction and community support.
Christmas tree disposal
If your business displays a real Christmas tree, please remember to remove all decorations before disposal. Check out our website for information on designated collection points for real trees or to schedule a special collection.
Electronic waste and packaging materials
If you're getting new computers or gadgets, make sure to throw away old ones safely so we keep our teams safe and can recycle the materials. Have a read of our previous blog on how to recycle electronics the right way.
Collection schedule awareness
Please note that our collection schedules may be subject to change during the holiday period. Remember to check out our website for any alterations to your usual collection times and planning accordingly.
Looking ahead: waste strategy for the New Year
As we approach the new year, consider this a perfect time to review and enhance your overall waste management strategy. We offer waste audits to help identify areas for improvement and can provide guidance on implementing more sustainable practices in your operations through our sustainability audits.
For more detailed information on our services, up-to-date collection schedules, or to arrange additional collections, please visit our website or contact our customer service team.
Together, we can maintain Westminster's reputation for clean streets and thriving businesses during this festive season and beyond.
