As we move on from Christmas Day, many of us are still on holidays and thinking about how we’ll dispose of wrapping paper, leftover foodstuffs, empty bottles and cans and maybe even clearing out old electronic items that have been replaced and updated.

Some councils may operate additional bin pickups, or a disposal service for natural Christmas trees; but everyone can help by following a few simple tips.

“The first step is to avoid creating waste in the first place. Always think about what you’re buying and what packaging it uses. Choose products that come in recyclable packaging. Avoid single use plastic straws or cups. If you're having balloons at a party, make sure they can’t escape to the outside world. We can all help by recycling products like glass and plastic bottles, and properly separating them for kerbside collection,” EPA Chief Environmental Scientist Professor Mark Taylor said.

“For those people who have travelled for Christmas; if you’re in a rental property, maybe camping or at a caravan park or at one of Victoria’s beautiful parks or beaches, you still have to look after your waste. Don’t let loose wastepaper blow away. Collect your bottles and cans and put them in recycling bins or collect them for proper disposal later.

Learn more about recycling at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/how-to/recycle-household-waste

“You can even get some money back on your Christmas expenses with the new Victorian Government Container Deposit Scheme. ( Container deposit scheme | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au) ),” said Professor Taylor.

“Try not to overfill bins and don’t mix landfill items with recycling materials. Many people will also be replacing electronic items. If you’re throwing out your old electronics, it must not go into general waste bin. Most councils have ewaste drop off areas at their transfer stations.

“Ewaste such as TVs, computers, phones, kitchen appliances, white goods and batteries can all be disposed of at appropriate locations. To find an ewaste recycler near you go to https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/ 

For the handy person taking on home improvement jobs over the holidays, make sure you dispose of debris to an appropriate landfill and dispose of unused paint or old paint tins properly; don’t pour it down the drain. Programs like Paintback can help https://www.paintback.com.au