Households urged to cut down on waste

Residents are being given advice on how to reduce the amount of household waste they produce during the pandemic.

Government officials say movement restrictions under the current lockdown, they realise some homes may be building up more waste than usual.

Among the tips to cut down on the level of refuse include only buying what you need when it comes to perishable food; squashing cartons, cans and cardboard boxes and not putting clothing and general household items in wheelie bins.

A full list of the steps being suggested is available below.

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- Cartons and plastic bottles - remove lid, squeeze air out and replace lid
- Cardboard boxes should be fully flattened
- Cans should be squashed flat, and placed in the bin, if you are unable to clean and set them aside until recycling resumes
- Glass bottles and jars, wherever possible, should be cleaned and set aside until recycling resumes
- Reduce perishable food waste by only buying what you need
- Avoid putting items in wheelie bins, such as clothing and general household items, that can be stored until the amenity sites reopen
- If possible, compost garden waste. Otherwise, try to reduce the amount you place in your bin each week
- Non-conforming waste such as batteries, builders’ rubble, fluorescent tubes and lamps, and electrical items should not be placed in wheelie bins at any time

When bins are put out for collection, please disinfect the handles. After taking it back in, disinfect the handle again and wash your hands thoroughly.

Bonfires are discouraged as they have the potential to be dangerous and cause a nuisance to neighbours, particularly while most homes will be occupied most of the time.

For those who are self-isolating, personal waste such as used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags.

These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in wheelie bin.

Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.