Bin collections – help your crew to help you
We’re doing everything we can to keep waste collections running as normal during the Coronavirus pandemic. But did you know there are six easy ways you can help your crew to keep things moving?
- Create less waste! Use an alternative reusable item or use something again instead of throwing it away. For tips visit the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle section of the Surrey Environment Partnership website.
- Only buy food you need. Freeze food if you can’t eat it before the use by date. Cook or freeze leftovers rather than throwing away. Check the Surrey Environment Partnership’s recipe page and food shopping apps page for ideas.
- Get recycling-savvy. Use the Surrey Recycles search tool to find out what goes where. Find it on the Surrey Environment Partnership website or download the app – search for ‘Surrey Recycles’.
- Make more room in your recycling bin – flatten and fold cardboard; wash and squash plastic.
- Make your own free fertiliser by composting at home. Buy a compost bin at a reduced rate; to compost all your food waste, food waste digesters are also available.
- Put your bins out early and leave until they’ve been emptied – sometimes the usual collection time will change.
- Be considerate when parking your car on a collection day, this will help collection vehicles to access your road more easily.
- Make sure your bin lids are firmly closed to help prevent crews unnecessarily touching them.
- If you have extra recycling that does not fit in your bin, please place in a clear plastic bag next to your bin to keep it dry. Alternatively take it to your local Community Recycling Centre. Please check Surrey County Council’s website before your visit in case there are any restrictions on the type of waste accepted. Some of the reuse shops are closed.
- Wash your hands before and after touching your bin.
- Give your crew a smile or wave to let them know you appreciate their hard work. Or get arty – we’ve seen some bin-spirational ‘thank you’ messages on wheelie bins and caddies!
- All of Surrey’s Community Recycling Centres are open but some of the on-site reuse shops are closed. Please check Surrey County Council’s website for details before your visit in case there are any restrictions on certain types of waste. Epsom CRC requires that you pre-book a slot. Alternatively call 03456 009 009.
- Please don’t leave waste next to recycling banks – this is fly-tipping which is illegal and you could be fined up to £50,000 or even imprisoned. Many charity shops have re-opened now lockdown has ended.
- Please don’t burn it either! Even just a few bonfires lit at the same time in one area can cause a lot of smoke and make it harder to breathe, especially for people with coronavirus. Read the advice here