April 2025 news

View our news items from April 2025.

UKHarvest Community Food Hubs extended until April 2026

We are delighted to announce that our award-winning Community Food Hubs, run in partnership with UKHarvest, have been extended! Since April 2023, the scheme has prevented over 94 tonnes of food from going to waste and it will now continue for another year, running until April 2026.

The Community Food Hubs redistribute surplus food from suppliers while educating residents on food waste prevention. They take place once a month in each district and borough across West Sussex.

For a small voluntary donation of £5.00, residents can access a wide selection of surplus food. No referrals are needed and all residents are welcome to visit the child-friendly hubs.

For a full list of Community Food Hub dates and locations, visit our website.

Do you have a little one in nappies?

Reusable nappies often have a bad reputation and we understand that busy parents may not be able to give up disposables entirely. That’s why we’re supporting Reusable Nappy Week this month by encouraging those who can to use them whenever possible. Even switching part-time can make a big difference - the equivalent of saving at least 17 plastic bags per day!

It’s not just about reducing waste (though the impact can be huge), reusables are also better for babies, as they’re gentle on sensitive skin. Plus, opting for reusable nappies could save you up to £1,000 over the first 2.5 years of your child’s life!

If you're considering making the switch, our blog has everything you need to get started, from an easy washing and drying guide to helpful advice.

Even if full-time use isn’t practical, why not use reusables when you can? They’re easy to clean and can significantly cut down your general waste. Of course, we understand that when you're on the go or on holiday, disposables may be the better option - and that’s okay! Every little change helps and even a part-time switch makes a difference.

Reduce your waste this Easter

Easter is right around the corner and while it’s a time for celebration, it can also lead to unnecessary waste. This year, why not take a few simple steps to reduce it?

Think about your decorations by switching to reusable options where possible and store them for future use. If you're hosting an Easter egg hunt, consider using reusable plastic toy eggs instead of chocolate ones to prevent them from melting or getting lost. Once all the eggs have been found, they can be traded in for real chocolate!

Instead of buying Easter eggs, why not make homemade treats for loved ones or give an experience-based gift instead? If you do purchase eggs, opt for those with minimal packaging.

If you have Easter egg packaging, get creative! Junk modelling is a fun way to reuse materials while teaching children about sustainability. Once you're done crafting, remember to recycle clean, dry materials.

And don’t forget to recycle all you can! Here’s a quick guide:

  • Easter egg boxes - Clean, dry cardboard can be recycled at home! Bonus points if you squash it to make more room in your bin.
  • Plastic Easter egg packaging - All colours of plastic pots, tubs and trays can be recycled at home, including the plastic trays inside your Easter egg box!
  • Foil wrapping - Clean foil can go in your recycling bin at home (as long as it stays scrunched).
  • Sweet wrappers and soft plastics - Soft plastics cannot currently be recycled in West Sussex and should go in your general waste bin. However, they can be taken to participating supermarkets for recycling as part of their soft plastic recycling scheme.
  • Flowers - Compost or use garden waste bins where available.

Finally, check your bin collection dates, as they may change over Easter. Visit your local district or borough councils website for the latest updates.

Recycling Centre opening hours extended for spring and summer

From 1 April 2025, Recycling Centre opening hours have switched to extended spring and summer hours. As the weather warms up, Recycling Centres tend to be busier, so these longer hours give residents more opportunities to visit.

The extended hours will remain in place until 30 September 2025 and will not be affected by bank holidays, including the Easter bank holidays at the end of April.

If you're planning a visit this weekend, don’t forget to book an appointment before you arrive! Bookings can be made on the day or up to two weeks in advance, with 15 or 30 minute slots available depending on the site.

The booking system helps visitors make the most of their time by ensuring items are properly sorted and recycled rather than ending up in general waste. It also allows staff to offer more recycling advice and assist residents during their visit.

For more information and to book a slot, visit our website.

Upcoming waste prevention events

Throughout West Sussex, we are proud to work alongside a team of passionate recycling and waste prevention volunteers. They attend public and private events to promote waste prevention, reuse, and recycling and are eager to answer questions about the county's recycling services and waste reduction initiatives.

In addition to the public events listed below, we are participating in numerous privately hosted talks and events for local community groups, schools, and other organisations. If you would like our team to give a talk, visit your school, attend an event, or if you would like more information, contact us at: waste.prevention@westsussex.gov.uk.

We also support our partners at the district and borough councils with community outreach in selected areas, engaging residents on both recycling and waste prevention topics.

April and May events

  • Tuesday 8 April (10.00am to 5.00pm) - Weald and Downland Museum Eco-Easter Information Stand, Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester, PO18 0EU
  • Wednesday 9 April (9.30am to 11.00am) - Food Waste Action Week Information Stand at Food Hub, Southwick Community Centre, Southwick Street, Southwick BN42 4TE
  • Friday 11 April (10.00am to 5.00pm) - Weald and Downland Museum Eco-Easter Information Stand, Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester, PO18 0EU
  • Wednesday 16 April (10.00am to 5.00pm) - Weald and Downland Museum Eco-Easter Information Stand, Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester, PO18 0EU
  • Saturday 19 April (10.00am to 5.00pm) - Weald and Downland Museum Eco-Easter Information Stand, Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester, PO18 0EU
  • Saturday 26 April (from 10.00am) - Lindfield Spring Clean, King Edward Hall, Lindfield, RH16 2HH
  • Saturday 26 April (10.00am to 2.00pm) - Midhurst Rother College Community Day, Midhurst Rother College, North Street, Midhurst, GU29 9DT
  • Saturday 26 April (10.00am to 4.00pm) - Plant to Plate Festival, Sussex Green Hub, United Reformed Church, 45 Springfield Road, Horsham RH12 2RG
  • Saturday 17 May (2.00pm to 4.00pm) - Information Stand at Partridge Green Repair Café, Partridge Green Village Hall, High Street, Partridge Green, RH13 8HX
  • Saturday 24 May (12 noon to 4.00pm) - Barnham and Eastergate May Fair Information Stand, Barnham Community Hall, Yapton Road, Barnham, PO22 0AY
  • Monday 26 May (11.00am to 4.00pm) - Information Stand at Steyning Country Fair, High Street, Steyning BN33 3RX
  • Saturday 31 May (12 noon to 5.00pm) - Lindfield Village Day Information Stand, Lindfield Common, RH16 2LD
  • Saturday 31 May (12 noon to 4.00pm) - Yapton and Ford May Fair Information Stand, Yapton and Ford Village Hall and Village Green, BN18 0ET