September 2024 news

View our news items from September 2024.

It's Zero Waste Week!

This week is Zero Waste Week, and it’s the perfect time to take action towards reducing waste in our everyday lives. Whether you’re just starting your zero-waste journey or looking to take your efforts to the next level, there’s no better time to get involved. Not sure how? Give some of our easy swaps a go:

  • Don’t forget to invest in some reusable shopping bags to take with you when picking up groceries or other household bits. All shops now charge for plastic carrier bags, so you can save some money and keep waste to a low, by building up a stash of reusable bags and keeping them somewhere you won’t forget them - for example, on a coat hook by the front door.
  • If you’re heading out and know you’ll want a coffee, make sure you take your reusable coffee cup. Reusable coffee cups are a great way to reduce your waste and most coffee shops will reward you for using one. This could be by taking some money off or offering you extra reward points - saving you money in the long run.
  • Ditch the soap dispenser and switch to a soap bar. Bars of soap usually come in cardboard, which means no plastic packaging, unlike liquid soap. Soap bars typically last longer and take less materials to make too.
  • If you have leftovers, instead of wrapping them in cling film or foil, pop them in a reusable Tupperware instead. You can even use Tupperware to store sandwiches. These can be washed and reused loads of times which means you’re not constantly throwing away plastic film. You could also use reusable pot covers or beeswax wraps to keep your food fresh.
  • If you have a little one, why not try switching from disposable nappies to reusable ones? Reusable nappies are better for the environment, gentle on soft skin and could save you some money. Why not look online for easy alternatives that will suit your family?
  • Each year more than 3 billion single-use period products are disposed of in the UK. That’s the same weight as just over 900 blue whales each year in tampons and period pads! Reusable period products can be a great option for menstruators looking to reduce their plastic waste. There are lots of different options available and could save you money in the long term.

#SummerOfSport

With a week left of the Paralympic games, it's the perfect time to remind ourselves to keep our recycling game strong! Whether you’re enjoying a takeaway or just snacking while cheering on Team GB, let’s make sure we’re doing our part and recycling as much as possible by following our tips:

  • Did you know that many takeaway containers can be recycled in West Sussex? Clean pizza boxes, plastic containers, and more can go straight into your recycling bin. So, as you enjoy your meal, be sure to be a #RecyclingWinner!
  • Remember to recycle your plastic bottles (tops on), pots, tubs, trays, fruit punnets and meat trays in your recycling bin at home.
  • For soft plastics like carrier bags, crisp packets and bread bags, head to your local supermarket’s soft plastic recycling scheme. You can find your nearest participating store online. If you can’t make it to a supermarket, these items should go in your general waste bin.
  • You can recycle even more at your local West Sussex Recycling Centres? These centres offer a wide range of recycling options. Don’t forget to book your appointment before you go. It’s quick and easy, and you can book on the day or up to two weeks in advance. Visit our Recycling Centre page for more booking information and to check opening days and times.
  • Keep your recycling game strong with the foil scrunch test! To recycle foil, scrunch it into a ball. If it stays scrunched, it’s good to go in the recycling bin!

As the Paralympics and our #SummerOfSport campaign come to a close, we want to thank everyone for their recycling efforts. Whether you’ve been sorting your plastics or recycling your foil, your actions have made a big difference.

Find more information on what can be recycled across West Sussex.

New recycling animations coming soon...

Our recent survey revealed that 60% of residents want to know more about what can be recycled in their home recycling bins. If you’re one of them, we’ve got great news...

We’re launching an updated series of fun and informative animations that will answer all your top recycling questions. These bite-sized videos will help you learn to Think Before You Throw and become a recycling pro in no time!

Make sure you don’t miss out. Follow us on social media to stay up to date:

You can check out our existing animations on our YouTube channel.

How can you make the most out of your loaf?

Are you looking to cut down on food waste?

We’ve got exciting news for you! Our latest video, created in partnership with UKHarvest, is now live, and this month we’re shining the spotlight on a common household staple - bread.

Did you know that bread ranks as the third most wasted food item in the UK? According to research by WRAP, far too many loaves end up in the bin. But, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make the most of every slice and help reduce food waste in your home.

Watch our video for useful advice on how to store bread properly, freeze it for later and even get creative with leftovers.

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Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just trying to be more mindful about waste, there’s something achievable for everyone.

These videos are available at our Community Food Hubs and will be updated with a new theme each month until April 2025.

To find your nearest Community Food Hub and view the video, visit our website.

Composting your autumn leaves

As autumn arrives, the colourful leaves falling in your garden can quickly pile up, disrupting the balance of your compost bin. Instead of letting them go to waste, turn them into leafmould - a dark brown, crumbly, nutrient-rich material perfect for improving your soil, conditioning your lawn, and mulching your garden.

How to make the perfect leafmould:

Step 1: Collect the leaves

Gather small quantities of leaves by hand using a rake. For larger amounts, a leaf blower vacuum can help by shredding the leaves into smaller pieces, speeding up the decay process.

Step 2: Add moisture

If the leaves are dry, moisten them with a little water to help them break down.

Step 3a: Bag it up

Place the leaves in a large bin bag, punch holes in it for air circulation, and store it in a secluded area of your garden.

Step 3b: Use chicken wire

Alternatively, create a simple container using plastic or wire netting with a few stakes. This reusable option can be adjusted to fit your needs.

Step 4: Patience is key

Leave the bag or container untouched for one to two years. The longer you wait, the finer the leafmould will be.

Step 5: Mulch

Young leafmould (one to two years old) can be used as mulch around shrubs, trees, and vegetable beds. Just add it as a layer on top of the soil.

Step 6: Soil improver

Dig young leafmould into your garden beds to enhance the soil for sowing and planting.

Step 7: Sowing mix

Well-rotted leafmould (two years old or more) can be used to create a seed-sowing mix. Combine it with equal parts sharp sand and garden compost.

Step 8: Potting

For potting established plants, mix well-rotted leafmould with sharp sand, garden soil, and compost in equal parts for an ideal potting compost.

Waste prevention events

Throughout West Sussex, we're proud to be working 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 keen to answer questions on the county's recycling provision and waste prevention.

Alongside the below public events, we are attending numerous privately hosted talks and events for local community groups, schools and other organisations. If you would like our team to provide a talk, visit your school, attend an event, or for more information on the above, email waste.prevention@westsussex.gov.uk.

September/October 2024 events

  • Saturday 7 September (10.00am to 4.00pm) - Waste prevention stand at CPRE Sussex Countryside Day, Knepp Estate, Dial Post, RH13 8NN.
  • Saturday 7 September (10.00am onwards) - Support at Lindfield Repair café, United Reform Church, 52 High Street, Lindfield, RH16 2HL.
  • Saturday 14 September (10.00am to 12 noon) - Waste prevention stand at East Preston Repair café, St Mary the Virgin Church, Village Lane, East Preston, BN16 2SP.
  • Saturday 14 September (12 noon to 5.00pm) - Waste prevention stand at Haywards Heath Town Day, Victoria Park, Haywards Heath, RH16 4LR.
  • Saturday 21 September (11.30am to 3.00pm) - Waste prevention stand at Angmering Revealed, Angmering Community Centre, Foxwood Avenue, Angmering, BN16 4FU.
  • Saturday 1 October (10.00am) - Support at Lindfield Repair café, United Reformed Church, 52 High Street, Lindfield, RH16 2HL.
  • Friday 4 October (2.00pm to 4.00pm) - Clothes and Book Swap Workshop at Graylingwell Chapel, Graylingwell Drive, Park, Chichester, PO19 6BZ.
  • Monday 28 October (1.30pm to 3.00pm) - Kids Reuse Workshop at Lancing Library, Penstone Park, Lancing, BN15 9DL.
  • Tuesday 29 October (9.30am to 11.00am) - Kids Reuse Workshop at Hurstpierpoint Library, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, BN6 9UY.
  • Tuesday 29 October (1.30pm to 3.00pm) - Kids Reuse Workshop at Broadfield Library, Broadfield Place, Crawley, RH11 9BA.
  • Wednesday 30 October (10.00am to 11.30am) - Kids Reuse Workshop at Durrington Library, Salvington Road, Worthing, BN13 2JD.
  • Thursday 31 October (10.00am to 11.30am) - Kids Reuse Workshop at Billingshurst Library, Mill Lane, Billingshurst, RH14 9JZ.
  • Thursday 31 October (1.30pm to 3.00pm) - Kids Reuse Workshop at Henfield Library, High Street, Henfield, BN5 9HN.
  • Friday 1 November (9.30am to 11.00am) - Kids Reuse Workshop at Witterings Library, Oakfield Avenue, East Wittering, Chichester, PO20 8BT.
  • Friday 1 November (1.30pm to 3.00pm) - Kids Reuse Workshop at Selsey Library, School Lane, Selsey, Chichester, PO20 9EH.
  • 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 Road, Bognor Regis, PO21 1DE.