Cambridge Waste and Recycling collections over Christmas

18th December 2012

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As always at this time of year, waste collection days can be juggled about a bit to allow for the Christmas Holidays, as our bin men deserve a break too!

Here is Cambridge Council's revised collection date list for over the festive season.

Regular collection date	Revised collection date
Monday 24 December	No change
Tuesday 25 December	Saturday 22 December
Wednesday 26 December	Thursday 27 December
Thursday 27 December	Friday 28 December
Friday 28 December	Saturday 29 December
Monday 31 December	No change
Tuesday 1 January	Wednesday 2 January
Wednesday 2 January	Thursday 3 January
Thursday 3 January	Friday 4 January
Friday 4 January	Saturday 5 January
Monday 7 January	Back to normal

If the temperature drops (and let's not kid ourselves, that's a when not an if!) you may face the problem of the contents of your bins, particularly the green bin, freezing and becoming stuck inside the bin. This could result in Cambridge Council being unable to empty, or fully empty the contents.

The Council offer these tips to avoid this situation:-

Wrap food waste in paper before putting in the bin
When your bin is empty put a piece of cardboard at the bottom before putting your food and garden waste in
If possible, store your bin somewhere that it is less likely to freeze the day before collection, for example a garage or shed
Put your bin out for collection every time, so you are less likely to be stuck with a full bin
Residents with concerns about the build-up of waste may choose to take it to the recycling centres near Milton or Thriplow

When the festive season is over, we are often left with the problem of what to do with the now sad and bald looking christmas tree. Having been guilty of having mine hidden behind the shed for a full six months one year, before eventually incinerating it in June (much to the horror of the neighbours, sorry about that!) it's handy to know that the tree can be recycled relatively simply. Either:-

Cut it up and put it in the green bin, with the lid fully closed. The Council will not collect trees left next to bins or sticking out of them.
Take it to Cherry Hinton Hall car park between Boxing Day and 20th January (trees can be whole).
Take it to a recycling centre

Recycling centre locations can be found on the Council website along with a host of recycling hints and tips for Christmas and throughout the year.

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