Ah, the post-Christmas blues: when the last of the turkey’s been devoured, the tree’s looking a bit wilted, and the bins are overflowing with all sorts of festive rubbish.
We’ve all been there, right? Desperate to squeeze just one more empty cardboard box into the recycling bin, we’ll try anything to avoid making multiple trips to the tip.
The Viral Hack That’s Causing More Harm Than Good
You might’ve seen the “genius” hack doing the rounds on social media: watering down empty cardboard boxes to shrink them and fit more into the recycling bin. Sounds like a win-win, right? Not so fast. Waste management company Veolia has spoken out against this trendy trick, warning that it’s actually doing more harm than good.
@emma_ann_becker I can’t remember where I saw this hack, but its too good to not share – especially at Christmas time! Water large boxes down (on the lawn so its getting watered at the same time). The boxes shrink and fit into recycling so much better! #hack #christmashack #lifehacks #hacksandtips #hacks ♬ Jingle Bell Rock Longer Version – 1 Minute Christmas Sounds
Why Wet Cardboard is a Recipe for Disaster
According to Veolia’s Craig Barker, wet cardboard is a major no-no when it comes to recycling. “It pains us to say that this hack only achieves recycling harm,” he told Yahoo News Australia. And we’re not just talking about a little bit of harm – we’re talking entire bins’ worth of recycling being ruined.
The Problem with Wet Cardboard
So, what’s the deal with wet cardboard? Well, when you soak those boxes, you’re effectively gluing all the individual materials together into one big, soggy mess. And that makes it impossible for recycling facilities to sort them properly. “Rubbish should always be dry,” Barker emphasized. “Individual materials can only be sorted when they’re separated, not stuck together in one big sloppy wet pile.”
How to Recycle Christmas Waste Like a Pro
So, how can you make sure you’re recycling like a pro this Christmas? Here are some top tips:
- Dry, dry, dry: Keep all your recyclables dry and separate.
- Tear it up: If you need to make something smaller, try tearing it apart or stomping on it (just not with your favorite stilettos, okay?).
- Check your council’s website: If you’re unsure what can and can’t go in your household bins, check your local council’s website for guidance.
Other Common Bin Mistakes to Avoid
It’s not just wet cardboard that’s causing problems – here are some other common bin mistakes Aussies are making at Christmas:
- Non-recyclable wrapping paper and bags: Check the packaging before you chuck it in the recycling bin.
- Unrecyclable packaging: Polystyrene, soft plastics, and packaging pellets are all no-gos.
- Christmas lights and decorations: These can’t be recycled, so make sure you dispose of them properly.
- Textiles: Clothing and bedding can’t be recycled, either – consider donating or repurposing them instead.
- Food waste: Remember to put food waste in your FOGO bin, not the mixed recycling bin.
By following these simple tips, you can help make the post-Christmas clean-up a whole lot easier – and do your part for the planet, too. Happy recycling!