Christmas is coming, and usually, with it comes lots of wrapping paper, boxes and food waste to be discarded. But it's important bulky items are disposed of properly. None of us want to wrestle our way to bins, and none of us want to live around smelly bins and vermin. Using shared refuse and recycling bins If shared bins are left in a condition that prevents collection, the council will refuse to take them. To prevent hiring external cleaners, our neighbourhood officers often put in the time to clean up bin stores, preventing them from carrying out their other duties where you live. If the neighbourhood officers can't clean the store, ISHA will arrange collection with our cleaning contractor to remedy the problem. Our contractor charges for these collections will be added to your service charges at the end of the year. So be good to your wallet and neighbour, dispose of waste, and recycle properly. Make sure you secure rubbish bags and dispose of them in the correct bin Ensure your rubbish bag is properly secured and disposed of in the correct bin. Many blocks have separate bins for general waste, recycling and food waste. If we can identify the person dumping waste, we will speak to them directly and potentially fine them or report them to the local authorities. Avoiding identity threat Sometimes, thieves look at what waste is left outside a home after Christmas. For example, a new television or a computer tablet. Shred any personal information, remove addresses and breakdown boxes as much as possible. Recyling wrapping paper If you can resist the urge to tear into presents, and unwrap them carefully, you may be able to recycle the wrapping paper. Here are a few fun ways to reuse them. Paper chains Cut wrapping paper into strips. Take one strip of paper and curl around so the two ends meet. Glue/stick one end to the other and hold for several seconds until fairly dry. Feed your next strip through the middle of your first chain link. Jazz up shelves or drawers with wrapping paper All you need is a tape measure/ruler, scissors and an adhesive to bring a new style into your home. You can find a tutorial online. Turn a cardboard box into a family fun adventure This DIY cardboard box playhouse will help ignite your kids’ imaginations — and it’s totally easy to make. The best part? The playhouse collapses down flat when the kids are done playing with it, so it’s super easy to store and won’t clutter up the house. You can find a tutorial online. Bulk waste collections There are options available if you have bulk items that need to be disposed of. Free collection from the British Heart Foundation The British Heart Foundation (BHF) collects furniture and electrical goods to resell in its charity shops. If you have something you no longer use but it's in decent condition and someone else might want, you can donate it to the British Heart Foundation. Go on their website, give them your postcode and tell them about the items. They’ll ask you when they can come and collect the items from you for free; all you need to do is provide them with a suitable date for you. Arrange a bulk item collection with your local council Some councils will collect items for free. You can learn more about your council's collection services using the links below. Camden £25 for up to five items, or 20 black bags. Hackney Costs can vary unless you receive Housing Benefit. Haringey Costs vary. Islington £10 per item, with a minimum cost of £30. There's a 50% discount if you receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax support. Tower Hamlets Twice a year, up to five items can be collected for free. Waltham Forest Up to five items can be collected for free per booking. Read more news stories Return to Graphics Version