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Tips to reduce waste

Recycling

Recycling reminders:

Making a note on your calendar or fridge will provide a visual reminder of the day/dates your recycling is collected. Nine out of ten UK residents now have access to a doorstep recycling collection.

Whole house recycling:

It's common for people to recycle in the kitchen but forget other rooms. Recycle the waste from all the bins in your house. For example, if you can recycle plastic bottles then all plastic bottles can go into your collection, including shampoo bottles.

Keep it simple:

Keep your recycling bin next to your main bin so you can take your rubbish and recycling out at the same time. If you don't already have a recycling box or bag you should contact your local council. See the Recycle Now website for more information about recycling.

Wasted food

Long life food:

A third of the food we buy in the UK ends up being thrown away so keeping your fridge, freezer and cupboard stocked with long shelf life basics means you'll always have ingredients at hand to make the most of fresh food. There are recipes and practical ways to make the most of the food you've bought at the Love Food Hate Waste website.

Reusing leftovers:

Wasted food is a waste of money and, when sent to landfill, a major contributor to climate change because it breaks down to produce methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas. If we in the UK stopped wasting food that could have been eaten, for example by reusing leftovers rather than throwing them away, it would have the same impact on carbon emissions as taking one in five cars off our roads.

Home composting

Mix it up:

By composting at home you can save as much carbon as your kettle produces annually. The key to good compost is to get a good mix of wet and sappy materials with dry and fibrous ones. This will ensure your bin has all the moisture and air it needs to compost successfully. Visit the Recycle Now Home Compost site to find out more.

Keep a kitchen compost caddy:

Over 30% of an average household bin can be composted at home, from vegetable peelings and teabags, to egg boxes and shredded paper. Using a container or kitchen caddy to collect your compostable waste from the house will save you having to make a trip to the compost bin every day.

Other

Reduce unwanted mail:

Many organisations now offer secure online billing rather than sending a paper bill each month. Eliminate junk mail by registering for free with the Mail Preference Service to have your name, as well as those of previous residents, removed from direct mail lists.

Ditch the disposables:

Use products with a longer life, such as energy saving light bulbs, which can last around ten times longer than standard bulbs. You could also buy more concentrated versions of many products such as your washing detergent or washing up liquid.

Reuse where you can:

Over 13 billion plastic bags are distributed in the UK every year. That's around 215 per person for the population of the UK. Reuse your plastic bags as often as you can or buy a stronger canvas or reusable shopping bag. Donate unwanted items such as clothes, books, CDs and furniture to charity shops or join a gift community such as Freecycle.