Guest blog: Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority’s recycling guide

Recycle right this Christmas and New Year by checking out Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority’s recycling guide.

The festive season brings joy, family gatherings, and... a lot of waste! But fear not, Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority have pulled together a guide to help you navigate recycling during the holidays and ensure a smooth (and eco-friendly) Christmas and New Year.

So let’s get into it…

Key things to remember

The Recycling Centres (or tips) at Bidston, Clatterbridge and West Kirby are open most days. 

Need to dispose of bulky items like cardboard boxes, garden waste, real Christmas trees or old gadgets? All three Household Waste Recycling Centres (to give them their formal name) across Wirral are open most days, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, 8am until 5pm.

Tips for a smooth recycling experience

• Separate your waste beforehand. Sort your recyclables from general waste before you go to a Recycling Centre. This will save you time and help reduce queues. 
• Flatten cardboard boxes. Polystyrene (packing peanuts) goes in your general waste bin, but cardboard boxes can be recycle. Flatten them to save space in the recycling containers.
• Absolutely no fly-tipping! Leaving waste outside the Household Waste Recycling Centres is illegal and can lead to fines. Please dispose of your waste responsibly.
• Wrapping paper. Don't throw away all that wrapping paper just yet …paper wrapping (without glitter or metallic finishes) can be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin or at the Recycling Centre (or tip). Anything with a shiny or glittery surface should go in your general waste bin, if you can’t reuse it.
• Reuse plastic bags. Try reusing plastic bags whenever possible or invest in a reusable bag for future shopping trips.
• Think before you throw. Avoid putting recycling in your general waste bin. This reduces the amount of waste needing disposal at the Recycling Centres.
• Bring your cans and bottles. The festive season is prime time for drinks so recycle all those extra cans and bottles.
• Christmas tree transformation. After the holidays, bring your real Christmas tree to the Household Waste Recycling Centres. They'll be shredded and turned into compost.
• Used cooking oil. Festive cooking often involves a lot of oil. Dispose of your used cooking oil responsibly at the designated tanks at the Recycling Centres. 
• Donate unwanted items. Consider donating unwanted toys, electrical items, or decorations to local charities and community groups instead of throwing them away.
• Recycle old batteries. Never put batteries in your bins! Take them to any Household Waste Recycling Centre or most large supermarkets that offer battery recycling points.
• Got a van? Get a booking. If you’re visiting a Recycling Centre (or tip) in a van or with a large trailer (2-3m) then you need to make an appointment before you visit. Call Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority on 0151 255 1444 or book online at www.merseysidewda.gov.uk.  
• New Year's Resolution. Make a commitment to recycle more in the coming year! Visit www.recycleright.org.uk for comprehensive information about what can and cannot be recycled.

Important Dates

Household Waste Recycling Centres opening hours. 

Bidston, Clatterbridge and West Kirby HWRCs are open 8am to 5pm every day apart from:

• Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25th)
• Boxing Day (Thursday, December 26th)
• New Year's Day (Wednesday, January 1st)

By following these tips, you can ensure a happy and sustainable Christmas for yourself and the environment.