Don’t let Christmas go to waste…

You can save money and waste this Christmas by following six simple steps and recycling as much as possible.

Currently the county recycles 54 percent of household waste, however recyclable material is still being thrown away.

Research has found that as much as 41 per cent of black bin waste could have been recycled in the household recycling collection.   

The largest component of this recyclable waste was food waste (27 per cent),  which can be recycled across most of Devon through household food waste collections.

Of this food waste, 79 per cent was found to be avoidable, with 35 per cent of all discarded food still in its original packaging.  

As the cost of living continues with food prices 25.6 per cent higher than they were in the same period two years ago (comparing July 2023 to July 2021) reducing the amount of food we throw away can help cut down on shopping bills. 

Recycle Devon will be sharing food and money saving tips in the run up to Christmas on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Research by Which? shows that during the festive period the foods people most often buy too much of are cheese, biscuits, chocolate, alcohol and vegetables.

If that sounds familiar, a bit of planning is key to making sure you avoid falling into the same trap.

This Ultimate Guide to Christmas Food Planning will give you plenty of tips to enjoy a feast without going overboard. 

• Christmas Portion Planner  – If you find you often cook too much and end up throwing food away, use a portion planner so you only buy and cook what you need.  

• Share the shopping/food  – Encourage your guests to bring a dish and share the leftovers after the celebration. It will help keep costs down and ensure you’re not left with mountains of food. 

• The fridge is your friend – Did you know that adjusting your fridge temperature so that it’s between 0-5°C can keep your food fresher for up to three days longer? Knowing how to store food correctly in your fridge can also make a difference. Check out these top tips for keeping the food in your fridge fresher for longer.  

• Be a freezer hero – Freezing your leftovers will help save you money and will keep your food fresh for weeks or even months to come. According to research from Sheffield Hallam University, increased freezer use can cut food waste by half, saving an average family £250 per year! This video explores the myths and queries around what can and can’t be frozen.  

• Leftovers – the gift that keeps on giving! If you do have leftovers, make sure to put them to good use.  Stuck for inspiration? Take a look at this ‘Have Your Food and Eat It’ recipe book for some ideas on how to use up odds and ends.  

To find out what you can recycle over the festive period, visit ‘What can you recycle at Christmas’. 

Residents can recycle a range of materials all year round using the household recycling collection service. Research found that easily recyclable material is still being thrown away, instead of being recycled. 

Recycling doesn’t have to be confusing. Here are some top tips for recycling in Devon:  

• Remember to recycle these items: bathroom plastics such as shampoo and shower bottles, cleaning spray bottles (with trigger spray attached), cardboard loo rolls and aerosols  
• Check with your local council for a comprehensive list of items you can recycle in your household recycling collection  
• Make use of your local Household Waste Recycling Centre – you can recycle domestic appliances, electrical items, batteries, Tetra-pak cartons, textiles, glass and much more.  

To find out what can be recycled in your area, visit recycledevon.org.uk.