Wiltshire Council Announces Festive Service Adjustments and Sustainability Push

Wiltshire Council is encouraging residents to adopt sustainable shopping practices this Christmas, following a 19% increase in waste generated during last year’s festive season. The council also announced adjustments to waste and recycling collection schedules for the upcoming holiday period. Certain households will experience a two-week suspension of services, including garden waste collections, starting from December 25. Dominic Muns, the cabinet member responsible for waste and environment, advised individuals to approach their Christmas preparations “with the environment in mind.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that all council services and facilities, including customer service desks, will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. For urgent council assistance during the Christmas and New Year period, individuals are directed to use the emergency contact numbers provided on the council’s official website. Residents are advised to consult the council’s online collection calendar for updated schedules during the festive season. Garden waste collections are set to recommence on Thursday, January 9. Subscribers to the garden waste service are permitted to place real Christmas trees alongside their garden waste. The council specified that trees exceeding 5ft must be cut into manageable sections and placed within the garden waste container, otherwise collection may not be possible. All leisure centres operated by the council will cease operations at 14:00 GMT on Tuesday, December 24, and Tuesday, December 31. Libraries throughout the county will close starting at 13:00 on Tuesday, December 24, or at their regular earlier closing time if applicable, and will not offer late-night opening hours between Christmas and New Year. During the previous Christmas period, the amount of waste generated in Wiltshire was 19% greater than the yearly average for other times. Mr Muns said: “I would encourage people to shop more sustainably and with the environment in mind by choosing loose fruit and vegetables where possible to reduce plastic waste, choosing quality long-lasting gifts over quantity if they can, and buying recyclable wrapping paper.” BBC Wiltshire can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may be sent via email or WhatsApp to 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.