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With the UK currently in lockdown, it looks like the amount of private waste we’re producing is increasing.

 

During this rather unprecedented time, it would appear that many of us are taking the opportunity of being in “lockdown” to have a good old clear out, getting rid of many unwanted clothes, furniture or knickknacks.

 

But, it’s not just the de-cluttering that causing additional waste. Families and households are also producing a lot more waste than usual just by remaining inside their homes. Simple things like entertaining children in the home with crafts and games can cause mess and extra waste. Food waste, in particular, is expected to rise as many households who decided to “stockpile” realise that a lot of the food they purchased is now out of date, or simply wasn’t stored correctly.


 

 

Why is extra private waste a problem?

Well, there really is nowhere for the waste to go. Many local councils run tips (or refuge centres) are closed because of the pandemic, and the open ones are being run by skeleton staff only and are simply not able to deal with the influx of extra waste.

 

Additionally, we are also starting to see residential council bin collections being affected by the lockdown, with regular collection days changing or collections being cancelled altogether.

 

Combined this with the restrictions in people’s movements and an increase in the amount of rubbish being produced, we’re starting to see a rising problem in private waste and council operated waste management services.


 

 

Fly-tipping is on the rise

One major problem associated with increased waste is fly-tipping.

 

News sites throughout the UK are reporting on increased dumping of rubbish outside waste centres and even charity shops, such as this example in Wolverhampton where cardboard, furniture, mattresses, and even a toilet were dumped at the gates to the Shaw Road Recycling Centre which is closed due to coronavirus.

 

Rural locations and natural beauty spots are also being spoilt by a large influx of unwanted items and waste. One instant of this is at a Black Isle beauty spot near Munlochy, where more than 30 bags of rubbish containing rotting food and animal waste.

 

In fact, according to recent reports fly-tipping across the UK is up by a massive 300%!


 

 

So, what can we do about it?

We’re going to have to accept that during these unprecedented times, we’re going to have to be a little more mindful about our waste. We can’t rely on councils to be there to pick up after us.

 

 

Reduce Food waste.

Although we know it’s difficult to try not to but too much unnecessary food. Supermarkets are assuring customers that if we all buy sensibly there is enough food to go around and there is no need to buy extra, that will probably end up going to waste.

 

Make batch meals and freeze them. If you notice fresh food starting to ‘go out of date’ why not prepare freezable meals that can be stored for future use.

 

Discover more about Food waste with our blog.

Don’t bin your bric-a-brac

Why don’t you incorporate some of the items you would usually throw away into interesting craft projects, like this one that make jewellery from paper or leftover buttons.  https://www.republicworld.com/lifestyle/fashion/jewellery-from-waste-material-at-homr.html

 

Or perhaps just save the de-cluttering and DIY projects until the country is back to normal.

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