It is so easy to throw something unwanted into the bin.
The bin will be emptied by the council, never to be seen by us again. But, the rubbish that we produce can have consequences, whether that is the energy used to make something new, energy to recycle it or carbon emissions from burning it. If waste isn’t disposed of correctly, it can spoil our environment and harm wildlife.
Use the waste hierarchy to help you reduce waste.
North Yorkshire Council offers kerbside collection for an array of materials including paper, cardboard, most glass and some plastic containers but there are some things which they don’t currently collect.
Bins, recycling and waste | North Yorkshire Council Soft plastics can now be taken to large supermarkets. Toiletry and make up packaging as well as medication blister packaging can be taken to most Boots shops. Household waste recovery centres can now take many items including electrical appliances. Look up items on this website Recycle an Item | Recycle Now.
Organic waste such as food goes to an anaerobic digestion plant where it rots down and produces biogas which is used to generate electricity. Other waste is burnt to generate electricity.
Consider buying second hand, either in charity shops or online.
Reduce packaging through refill or subscription options.
Use your imagination to re-use or upcycle.
Notice what is in your bin – could any waste have been avoided?
Using energy more efficiently at home is one small way to care for the wider place around us. When less energy is wasted, homes can feel better to live in and have a lighter impact on the environment.
That matters in North Yorkshire, where countryside, coast, farming, wildlife and village life are all closely connected. Simple household choices can support a healthier local future without asking people to change everything overnight.
No two homes are the same. A village cottage, a terrace, a farmhouse, a bungalow or a newer home will all have different challenges. Some may lose heat quickly, some may be harder to insulate, and some may rely on older systems.
The best place to begin is with what you can see and feel. Cold corners, draughty doors, blocked radiators and unused rooms can all show where small improvements might help.
we produce over 350,000 tonnes of rubbish every year (excluding recycling)? This is equivalent to 22,000 double decker buses!
In North Yorkshire 42.3% of waste from households is recycled
generates electricity for 66,000 homes through burning waste.
is used for electricity generation at Allerton Waste Recovery Park
of used but wearable clothing goes to landfill in the UK every year
A simple home efficiency check can help you look at your home with fresh eyes. It is not about finding faults or starting a big renovation.
It is a way to notice where energy might be wasted and choose one practical step to try. You could check one room, one habit or one appliance, then build from there when it feels manageable.
Choose one room this week and look for one thing that could work better. It might be moving furniture from a radiator, closing curtains earlier or spotting a draught.
