Reducing Waste at Christmas

We are asking residents to do all they can to reduce waste this Christmas.

Reducing waste, reuse and recycling well helps contribute towards our net zero-carbon emissions target by 2030.

Tips include:

  • buying local so you're not only supporting local but cutting down on packaging
  • plan your food shop carefully and maybe try a new recipe using leftovers. There are lots of great ideas at Love Food Hate Waste.
  • re-gift unwanted items that are in good condition to others, donate them to charity shops or sell/ give them away through local Facebook groups
  • use recycled (and recyclable) Christmas cards, wrapping paper and reusable gift bags - take care to avoid glitter, shiny foil, bows and ribbons as these can't be recycled
  • recycle your Christmas food packaging in your green sacks including:
    • cream pots
    • brandy sauce pots
    • Christmas pudding basins
    • sweet tubs
    • mince pie trays
    • plastic advent calendar trays

Please make sure all your recycling is washed, squashed and dry before placing in your sacks

If you're visiting your local Waste & Recycling Site please remember to sort all items first before you arrive. 

Broken and unwanted electrical items can be recycled at all local Waste & recycling sites and a fortnightly collection service is offered on St Mary's (booking required, terms and conditions apply). For more information please see our Kerbside Electricals Collection page. 

Christmas trees - you can recycle your real Christmas trees by arranging collection with local carriers (£5 per tree, no gate-fee charge). No decorations or lights please. 

Old batteries can cause fires in the general waste. Please make sure these are recycled with electricals or taken to battery recycling points located at all waste & recycling sites and local stores.

See more about what materials can be accepted for recycling at local waste & recycling sites 

St Mary's Waste and Recycling Site, Porthmellon 

Off Island Waste and Recycling Sites