Summer may be drawing to a close, but with the sun still shining and the bank holiday just around the corner, many of us still have plans to enjoy barbecues, picnics, holidays and days out.
While these activities can create more waste than usual, a few simple changes can help you reduce waste, recycle more and even save money.
Plan ahead
Planning your food shop before a barbecue, picnic or get-together can help you buy only what you need and avoid unnecessary waste.
Warm weather can cause fresh food to spoil more quickly, so be sure to store food correctly, freeze anything you won’t use in time and get creative with any leftovers. Looking for inspiration? Visit our recipe page for delicious ideas to help you make the most of the food you already have.
If you have any food that cannot be eaten, don’t throw it away. All food waste, including meat, fish, bones, fruit and vegetable peelings, tea bags and eggshells, can be recycled through Surrey’s free weekly food waste collections.
Once collected, food waste is transformed into bio-fertiliser and biogas, which can be used to generate electricity, heat and transport fuel!
Swap single-use for reusable
Whether you’re heading to the park, beach or a festival, swapping single-use items for reusable alternatives is an easy way to reduce waste.
Pack your favourite refillable water bottle, reusable lunchbox and picnic cutlery before you leave home. These simple swaps help reduce the amount of waste you create and can save you money over time.
Summer is also a popular time for clearing out wardrobes, cupboards and sheds. Before throwing something away, consider whether it can be repaired, donated or sold instead. Reusing items keeps valuable materials in circulation, reduces waste and helps protects the environment.
Visit Surrey’s zero waste map to discover locations where you can reduce waste, reuse or repair and recycle items across the county.
Recycle with confidence
Most of us know that items such as plastic bottles, cardboard tubes and paper can be recycled. But what about the trickier items?
We agree, it’s not always obvious which bin items should go in. Whether its leftover napkins from last weekend’s barbecue, a broken fan or air conditioner, or perhaps you’re scratching your head at which bin a foil-covered cake board belongs in, there’s no need to fret. Simply use our online search tool to find out how to dispose of items correctly where you live.
Help prevent wildfires
With heatwaves and wildfires continuing to pose a risk across Surrey, we are urging residents to help prevent fires by avoiding activities that could start them and disposing of litter, such as cigarettes, safely and responsibly.
The UK Government has also introduced a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to the increased risk of wildfires.
Disposable, or ‘one use’ barbecues are a particular fire risk. Even when they appear to have been extinguished, they can retain enough heat to start fires and put you, others and local bin crews at risk. Never place a hot or warm barbeque in a bin.
Disposable barbecues cannot be recycled in Surrey. They are made from multiple materials and can contain food residue and ash, which can contaminate other recyclable items.
Find out more
For more tips on reducing waste and recycling correctly, explore our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.