Winter calls for smart habits. It is the time of short days, cold nights and warm moments at home. Especially then, Waardlanden helps you with handy tips to reduce waste, separate it better and keep the neighbourhood clean. From oliebollen fat to firework remnants and Christmas trees - together we ensure a fresh start to the year, step by step towards a waste-free future.
Waste well organised around the holidays
The festive season means cosiness, good food and beautifully decorated houses. That often brings extra waste too. With a few smart habits, you can keep it sustainable and tidy. That way, your holidays will not only stay cosy, but also green.
Gifts
A gift doesn't have to be big or new. Give something that sticks rather than lingers: a day out, a dinner, a voucher for an activity or something you make yourself. This creates memories that last longer than stuff. Still want to give something? Choose something second-hand, local or homemade. Wrap it creatively with reusable paper or a nice cloth. This will make it personal and avoid waste.
Boxes and packaging
Shopped online? Always make boxes from online shops small and flat before putting them in the waste paper. This way, the container does not get clogged and we can collect everything properly. Remove plastic filling material or tape - that belongs in the residual waste. Can you tear the wrapping paper? Then put it in the waste paper. Can't you tear it? Then it is not paper and you should throw it in the residual waste. This is how we keep the waste mountain small together, also during the holidays.
Christmas decoration and lighting
Broken baubles belong in the residual waste, not in the bottle bank. They have a different melting point to packaging glass. Christmas lights that no longer work are electrical waste (e-waste). Dispose of them at the DIY store, electronics shop or environmental centre. This way, the materials will be reused. Foam from Christmas decorations belongs in the residual waste, but small twigs can be disposed of in the organic waste. And the net from your Christmas tree? That goes in the residual waste. Empty aluminium containers of tea lights can be disposed of with the MSW. Leftover candle wax can be reused or disposed of with residual waste.
Avoid waste
A few simple habits will prevent good food from ending up in the bin. Buy what you really need. Are there still leftovers? Don't throw them away, make something tasty out of them or freeze them. Use leftover vegetables for soup, make a salad from leftover meat or turn old bread into bread pudding. This way, you avoid wasting food and celebrate the holidays sustainably.
Submitting oil ball fat
New Year's Eve is not complete without a big bowl of oliebollen. But where do you leave that pan full of oil after baking? Never throw used oil in the sink, toilet or waste bin. This causes blockages in pipes and is bad for the environment. There is a simple and sustainable solution: hand it in at a collection point near you. You can find the nearest locations at frituurvetrecyclehet.nl.
Oil from jars containing sun-dried tomatoes or feta, for example, also does not belong in the sink, toilet or waste bin. Collect such leftover oil in a separate plastic bottle without a deposit and hand it in when the bottle is full. This way, you will help reduce waste and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Clearing fireworks debris safely
After an enjoyable New Year's Eve, a lot of fireworks rubbish is often left behind. Not only is this a dirty sight, but fireworks litter is also dangerous for people, animals and the environment. Fortunately, there is something you can do about it.
Clear away fireworks debris as soon as you can. Some leftovers are still hot or have not gone off properly and may still explode later. Therefore, never let children clean up on their own - always have an adult present. Wet firework debris a little before putting it in a rubbish bag. This prevents fires. Then dispose of it in the residual waste. This also includes large cardboard boxes or packaging. These should not be thrown away with waste paper. Would you like to help keep the streets clean? Then borrow a free litter pick via milieucoach@waardlanden.nl.
Ash drawer wood stove
Cosy, such a warm fire in the house. But be careful what you do with the ashes afterwards. Ashes may seem harmless, but they can still smoulder or glow for a long time. This makes them dangerous - even if they already seem cold. Always let the ashes cool completely and then put them in a well-sealed bag. Then throw it in the residual waste. It should not be thrown in the organic waste - ash contains residues of metals and salts that interfere with composting.
Christmas tree collection
After the holiday season, you can hand in your Christmas tree for a small fee at collection points in the neighbourhood or the environmental street. This is how we keep the streets clean together and Christmas trees get a second life as raw materials. For more information, visit waardlanden.nl/kerstbomeninzameling.
You can read more useful tips at worthlanden.co.uk/tips