CRACKING THE CASE: THE HUNT FOR SOLUTIONS TO EASTER WASTE

When it comes to Easter, waste isn’t usually at the top of your mind. For some, religion is the central element and for others, it’s all about getting their fill of chocolate while they can! However, as a consumer-focused holiday, Easter can pose a waste management headache for Local Authorities. 

Around 80 million Easter eggs are purchased in the UK each year and according to research from Tesco and Hubbub, around 8,490 tonnes of food waste is generated. This seasonal variation and the spike in packaging and food waste affect waste composition and can put an added strain on Local Authorities. So, how can they best handle Easter and other holidays?

EDUCATING RESIDENTS

Having residents sort waste and recyclables at the source can help save time and money in the long run by alleviating the pressure on your operations. One way to achieve this is by launching targeted educational campaigns in the run-up to Easter.

Through posters, flyers, social media campaigns and local advertising, you can help educate your residents on the benefits of waste reduction on the environment, as well as ensure that they understand what materials can be recycled and how.

You can also utilise online resources, such as your local government website or video content providing practical tips and guidance on reducing waste during Easter.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR WASTE 

To build a successful educational campaign, you’ll need to have a comprehensive understanding of the types and quantities of materials that make up your waste streams. Waste Composition Analysis will help you achieve this.

Waste Composition Analysis provides information on the weight of materials that are in a given waste stream by sampling, sorting and weighing materials into predefined categories, allowing you to plot and understand the recycling and purchasing habits of residents.

This can inform improvements to operations or educational campaigns used to encourage recycling and correct disposal habits among residents.

HOW AHK CAN HELP

Through independent sampling and analysis, Alfred H Knight helps organisations determine how much food waste and recyclables are being placed in the correct receptacle by residents. These projects can therefore determine whether the volume and weight of the residual waste stream can be reduced and by how much. 

Our experts utilise a wealth of knowledge and experience to build an accurate and reliable profile of waste streams, enabling Local Authorities to make informed improvements to their operations and educational campaigns.