Every year it is estimated that households produce some 21 million tons of waste here in the UK. From food packaging to garden waste and leftovers to cleaning products, the amount we produce in the capital is somewhat astounding. Fortunately, much of the waste we produce is now recycled meaning far less is diverted to landfill. Figures put the rate at somewhere around 45% and it is increasing year on year.
Whilst this is certainly good news, here in the capital getting rid of waste is a little trickier. Firstly, most boroughs do not provide household waste bins, forcing residents to leave their waste outside in bin liners on collection day, or purchase their own bins. This creates a haven for foxes, who scavenge through the bin liners in the search for food. As a result, many London streets are littered with household waste by the time the rubbish collection team arrive; plenty of which is simply never cleaned up at all.
As a Londoner, I for one am tired of having to wade through rubbish every Thursday morning or shoo away foxes from the bin liners left out on the street. It is time we, as a city, began to take responsibility for our waste problem and found ways of disposing of our waste responsibly and with minimum mess. Here are a handful of tips to do just that.
1. Recycle!
The most ethical and environmentally friendly way we can reduce rubbish on our streets is by recycling more. Foxes are not attracted to tin cans, plastic packaging or glass bottles; at least as long as the food residue has been swilled out. By recycling as much of our rubbish as possible, we reduce the number of bin liners on our streets on collection day, which in turn reduces the number of black bags for those pesky foxes to poke their noses into.
Moreover, recycling is becoming increasingly straight forward. Most boroughs now provide at least one recycling box into which you can simply throw your recyclables. In addition, these waste products will not go to landfill meaning you are doing your bit for the UK’s environment too.
2. Use a Waste Disposal Company
There are times when you will produce an extraordinary amount of household waste; perhaps you are undertaking some renovation work, you might have thrown a party, maybe you are cleaning out the attic. Whatever the reason, if it is clear that the amount of waste you are producing one week is not going to be suitable for the bin collection team to remove, use a waste disposal company or call the council to help you take it for recycling or to landfill.
To find a company, search for something like ‘rubbish clearance London ’ online, there are a handful or reputable firms. Choose one that will recycle as much of your waste as possible to ensure you are not diverting unnecessary items to landfill.
3. Visit the Tip
On the other hand, if you have space in the boot of your car, you could take your excess waste to landfill. Rather than piling up those bits of plywood, old radiators and cardboard boxes in the street, locate your nearest council tip and do your neighbourhood and yourself a favour.
Before you travel, check the tip has recycling facilities and that you have the necessary permits to use it.
4. Purchase a Rubbish Bin
Arguably the simplest tip (and hence most infuriating when ignored) is to purchase a household rubbish bin or two! Yes, it is irritating that many local authorities do not provide bins for households but they are relatively inexpensive and are an almost fool-proof method of keeping foxes out of your waste.
Your local home or hardware store will certainly stock them for under twenty pounds a go.
5. Keep Waste in a Shed or Garage until the Morning of Collection
Finally, if you have nowhere to store a bin or you are vehemently opposed to purchasing you, store your rubbish in a shed or garage through the week before placing it outside on collection day. This simple act will prevent foxes tearing through your bin liners, feasting on your leftovers and spreading the rest around your garden and the street. Please, do it!