November 2024 news

View our news items from November 2024.

Are you confident about what can and can’t be recycled at home in West Sussex?

Watch our recycling video playlist (external link)

Here at West Sussex Recycles we're here to help you make the most of your recycling efforts while ensuring that the right materials are collected and processed correctly. Here is a quick reminder of what you can and can't put into your recycling bin at home:

What can go in your recycling bin at home:

  • plastic bottles (with lids on), pots, tubs and trays (all colours)
  • paper and card
  • glass bottles and jars
  • cans, tins, and foil
  • cartons and TetraPaks

What can't go in your recycling bin at home

While we’d love to recycle everything, some things can’t be recycled in your bin at home for various different reasons. Below are the top non-recyclable materials found in recycling bins across West Sussex:

  • Crisp packets and plastic film (for example, cling film or plastic wrapping) - these items should be placed in your general waste bin or taken to your local supermarket for recycling as part of their soft plastic recycling scheme.
  • Food waste or greasy packaging - please keep recycling clean and dry. Any leftover food should go in the general waste bin.
  • Wet paper and card - when paper and card get wet, their fibres become weaker and can no longer be recycled. They also stick to other materials, making separation harder at our Materials Recycling Facility. Please put wet paper and card in the general waste bin and remember to close the lid on your recycling bin to keep the rain out.
  • Batteries, electrical items and vapes can cause fires during collection and disposal, meaning they require alternative disposal methods. Check our website for details on where you can take these items for recycling.

Remember, if you're unsure, don't just chuck it in the recycling bin and hope for the best. Visit our A-Z of recycling and waste for more information.

Learn more about the recycling process

Curious about what happens after your recycling is collected? Want to see how plastic, paper, and other materials are sorted and processed? Check out our YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes animations on how recycling and waste are handled in West Sussex or book a visit at the Materials Recycling Facility and see for yourself.

Thinking about your plans for Christmas?

As Christmas approaches, we’re excited to share our top tips for reducing waste while still enjoying all the festive fun! Whether it’s thoughtful gift-giving, eco-friendly wrapping, buying party outfits second hand, or hosting a low-waste party, there are plenty of ways to celebrate sustainably this year. Some of our favourites are:

  • start with a list: Before you hit the shops, talk to your loved ones about what they actually would like or need and make a list. This helps avoid panic buying and reduces the chances of buying unnecessary items that are thrown away
  • shop second-hand: Why not explore thrift or charity shops for pre-loved party outfits and gifts? Not only is this cheaper and better for the planet, but your money could also support a good cause
  • wrap low-waste: Get creative with your gift wrapping! Use scarves or cloth that can be reused or repurpose old cards to make festive gift tags. You can also use reusable bags or craft gift boxes from recycled materials
  • host a party without the waste: When planning your Christmas party, ditch the disposables! Use reusable cups, plates and cutlery instead of single-use alternatives. It’s an easy way to cut down on unnecessary waste
  • reduce food waste: Be mindful about food planning during the holidays. Get creative with leftovers and avoid overbuying festive food items that might go to waste

Stay tuned for more waste prevention tips.

For more ideas on reducing waste this Christmas, keep an eye on our social media channels over the coming weeks. From sustainable gift ideas to creative ways to cut down on festive waste, we’ve got you covered!

Be safe this Guy Fawkes Night

With Guy Fawkes Night just around the corner, it’s important to celebrate responsibly and ensure that you dispose of your fireworks and other waste safely. Follow the instructions below to keep your celebration safe.

How to dispose of used fireworks:

  1. Soak it - Collect spent fireworks and soak them in water overnight to ensure they are completely extinguished and can’t reignite.
  2. Bag it - Place the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag.
  3. Bin it - Put the bagged fireworks in your general waste bin. Never place fireworks or sparklers in your recycling bin.

Important safety tips:

  • Never put anything hot in your general waste bin, such as fireworks, sparklers, bonfire and BBQ ashes, or disposable BBQs. Wait until they have completely cooled before disposal.
  • To safely dispose of sparklers, place the hot end down into a bucket of sand or water to fully cool them. Soak them overnight, then bag them and put them in your general waste bin. Fireworks and sparklers are not recyclable and should never be placed in your recycling bin at home.

More information can be found on our website.

Don't forget about the plastic free poppies

In April 2023, the Royal British Legion announced the plans for their all-new plastic-free poppy which launched last year.

These new poppies are made from 100% paper and are available again this year as part of their Poppy Appeal.

We would like to remind residents that these poppies are recyclable in recycling bins at home. The Poppy Appeal will continue to sell the old plastic poppies to use up the remaining stock and to reduce waste. Old-style plastic poppies cannot be recycled at home.

More information can be found on the Royal British Legion 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 organizations. If you would like our team to give a talk, visit your school, attend an event, or if you would like more information, email us at waste.prevention@westsussex.gov.uk.

Throughout November, our team will be supporting Mid Sussex District Council and Crawley Borough Council with community outreach efforts in selected areas, engaging residents on both recycling and waste prevention.

November and December events

  • Saturday 2 November (10.00am to 11.30am) - Kids Reuse Workshop at Southbourne Library, First Avenue, Southbourne, Emsworth, PO10 8HP
  • Saturday 2 November (1.30pm to 3.00pm) - Kids Reuse Workshop at Bognor Library, London Rd, Bognor Regis PO21 1DE
  • Saturday 16 November (from 9.30am) - Energy workshop, The Stand Up Inn, High Street, Lindfield, RH16 2HN
  • Saturday 23 November (10.00am to 2.00pm) - Waste prevention stand at Hurstpierpoint Craft Fayre, Hurstpierpoint Village Centre, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9UY
  • Saturday 23 November (11.00am to 4.00pm) - Waste prevention stand at Burgess Hill Christmas Fayre, Church Walk, Burgess Hill, RH15 9AS
  • Saturday 7 December (10.00am) - Lindfield Repair café, United Reform Church, 52 High Street, Lindfield, RH16 2HL