In 2005/2006, residents in Redbridge produced just over 103,000 tonnes of waste. This is more than one tonne of waste per household and costs Redbridge Council approximately £7,600,000 to dispose of or recycle.

Information on this page will show you how you can reduce your waste.

Compost at home

By composting, you can reduce your household waste by 30%.

We provide subsidised home compost bins.

Use real nappies

Did you know that by the time a baby is potty trained they would have used around 5,000 nappies? We encourage the use of modern washable nappies.

Redbridge are offering a free £30 nappy voucher to all parents with a baby under 18 months.

Unwanted mail

Register with the Mail Preference Service to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive. This can be done via their website or by telephoning 0845 703 4599.

Plastic carrier bags

Say no to extra plastic carrier bags when you are out shopping and take your own bags so that you do not have to use more. Reuse carrier bags as much as you can, or purchase reusable bags (available from the checkout at most supermarkets).

'Give and Take' days

In association with the Forest Recycling Project, we organise regular 'Give and Take' events around the borough, where you can donate items you no longer need or take things that you would like. The events are free to attend.

To find out when the next 'Give or Take' event will be running, visit the Forest Recycling Project website, or call them on 020 8539 3856.

Mobile phones and inkjet cartridges

There are many outlets for returning and recycling your old mobile phones and inkjet cartridges. Many electrical and mobile phone outlets will take them back for recycling.

You can also send your old mobile phones and inkjet cartridges to Help The Aged for recycling. Drop them at any Help the Aged shop, or visit the Help The Aged website for more information.

The recycling appeal refurbishes and resells mobile phones, giving a proportion of the proceeds to charities. Visit the Recycling Appeal website to find out more about the refurbishment and resale of mobile phones.

Spectacles

World in Sight is a spectacle recycling and reuse programme that helps older people in developing countries to see more clearly, lead more active lives, remain self sufficient and avoid poverty. Spectacles can be dropped off at your nearest Dolland and Aitchinson shop, or posted to 'World in Sight Appeal', 207-221 Pentonville Road, London N1 9UZ.

If more than 150 pairs are collected, Help The Aged can arrange for a free collection.

Household goods

Clothes, CDs, videos, DVDs, ornaments, toys, games and all sorts of other bric-a-brac can be taken to many charity shops around the borough.

Alternatively, you can take your unwanted good along to one of our Give and Take days, or the Chigwell Road reuse and recycling site.

Videos, DVDs, games and books

There are now a number of 'media banks' (often located in public recycling sites) around Redbridge where you can deposit your videos, DVDs, games and books for distribution to third world countries and charity shops.

Feminine choice

Celebrated by women who use them, but not widely known about, the Mooncup is an exciting alternative to disposable sanitary protection. A Mooncup will save waste, save money and is good for feminine health.