Residents encouraged to recycle

NORTHERN Rivers Waste is encouraging residents to give extra consideration to the environment this Christmas by recycling festive waste wherever possible.

NORTHERN Rivers Waste is encouraging residents to give extra consideration to the environment this Christmas by recycling festive waste wherever possible.

Lismore City Council waste and water education officer Danielle McAtee said the by-product of gift giving and festive gatherings has a big impact on the amount of waste going into landfill.

"Each year there is an average 11 per cent increase in the general waste that is brought in during the Christmas week, with recycling and organics collection rates also increasing significantly," Ms McAtee said.

"The community could give a great gift to the environment this year by making the best use of Council's three-bin system and also remembering that if their recycling bins are overflowing, they can take the excess to the drop off facility at Brewster Street or the Recovery Facility on Wyrallah Road free of charge.

"We have developed some three-bin system Christmas tips to make it as easy as possible for residents.

"They are: place items such as wrapping paper, plastic plates and cups and rigid plastic packaging in the yellow lidded bin for recycling; and place paper plates, napkins and food waste into the green lidded organics bin.

"We also encourage you to take a few minutes to explain the three bin system to your holiday guests so they can do their bit as well."

"Another great way to minimise waste is for shoppers to make smart purchasing decisions by sticking to shopping lists and buying presents that will last and not end up in the bin by the end of the holidays.

"Finally, a handy tip for people waiting for those post-Christmas sales.

"The Revolve Centre (a point of sale for recovered unwanted goods collected at the waste facility) is often brimming with bargains at this time of year as many people feel the urge to clean out their cupboards and make room for all the new goodies Santa has brought them."

Northern Rivers Waste's kerbside collections will occur as usual throughout the Christmas break.

The Wyrallah Road Waste and Recovery Facility will be closed on public holidays only.

The Revolve Shop will be closed for renovations from 3pm Friday 23 December until Tuesday 10 January.

Originally published as Residents encouraged to recycle