Bin collection dates will change during the Christmas and New Year period (Image: Getty)
With bank holidays on December 25, December 26 and January 1, there are many changes to bin collections over the next couple of weeks.
Food waste, garden waste, general waste and recycling is collected in the UK by district councils. If you are not sure who your local council is, you can check by putting your postcode in the .
Different types of waste are normally collected on different dates and some councils suspended garden waste collections from mid December with some food and waste collections not starting up again until the last week of January.
You can find out your local council’s
Christmas and New Year waste can quickly build up, and many households face a .
Kevin Lawrenson, chief exectuive of the National Pest Technicians Association, said there are things families can do to minimise the risk of overflowing rubbish leading to rat or other pests inviting themselves into your garden, or worse still, your home.
Lawrenson says overflowing bins or improperly-stored waste can quickly become a buffet for rats and mice.
He said: “Rodents are really resourceful, and as the weather grows colder, they’re drawn to warmth and readily-available food sources – often found in our waste bins.”
“Rodents are not just a nuisance; they pose serious health risks.
“They can spread diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus and cause damage to property by chewing through cables, insulation, and woodwork.
“Preventing an infestation during the holiday season is far easier than dealing with the consequences.”
How to stop rubbish ruining your Christmas and New Year
One – shop wisely
Lawrensen says resist the urge to over-shop when you hit the shops this Boxing Day. Make a list of what you truly need and stick to it. This reduces food waste and saves money.
Two – store food securely:
Ensure all food, including pet food, is stored in sealed containers, especially if kept in garages or sheds.
Manage leftovers effectively
If you have excess food, consider freezing it or sharing it with neighbours or local charities rather than throwing it away.
Dispose of waste properly
Double-bag any food waste and keep your bins securely closed. If bin collections are delayed, store waste in a cool, secure place to deter rodents.
Clean up regularly
Keep kitchen areas and outdoor spaces free from crumbs and food residue. Regularly check for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings or gnawed packaging.
Don’t miss… [ADVICE] [REPORT]
Ryan Kaila, from Kingfisher Direct, said if you are planning any parties over the Christmas and New Year break you can plan ahead.
Furthermore, when unpacking gifts it’s important that your packaging is fully condensed, this can be done by squashing it down as small as possible so it takes up minimal room in your bin.
He said: “If you’re hosting a christmas party, it may be worth taking empty bottles, cardboard and other recyclables to a local recycling centre to ensure that your recycling bin doesn’t overflow. Prior to taking your items to a local recycling centre make sure to book a slot online, especially during the Christmas period as it may be busier than usual.
“It’s likely that many households will have a lot of leftover food after Christmas day and Boxing day, so instead of disposing of this food in your already full bin it’s a good idea to try and reuse it where possible. If you have a local community kitchen or food bank that is cooking for people this christmas, you may be able to donate your leftover food to these places.
“However, community kitchens and food banks may not accept food that is non-perishable, so make sure to consider this before donating food. To reuse fresh food you can give it to friends, family and neighbours where possible. Similarly, with your leftover christmas dinner you can make a bubble and squeak to eat the following day and reduce waste”.