East Gippsland Shire Council encourages everyone to aim for a waste-free festive season. Christmas often revolves around food and gifts, and with a little foresight, you can not only save money but also minimise the waste you produce.

During this time of year, there is a substantial surge in household waste, with an uptick of almost 30 per cent in Victoria.

Here are some tips to make this season more sustainable:

· Cut food waste: Shop with a list of planned out meals and compost any food waste.

· Give sustainable gifts: Experiences, handmade items or recycled gifts make for great presents.  

· Get creative with your wrapping: Use recycled gift wrap, newspapers or make your own.

· Recycle the waste: Keep cardboard and paper gift wrapping out of the landfill.

· Shop locally and sustainably: Support small businesses and reduce carbon emissions as well as excess packaging from online orders.  

· Use LED lights: Reduce energy usage with this great alternative.  

· Buy a real tree: More eco-friendly option if disposed of properly or is a potted plant.  

· Regift or donate: Don’t put unwanted presents in the bin, pass them on to a friend or donate to your local op shop.  

Mayor Cr Tom Crook said, “It’s simple to take these small steps that collectively would have a big impact toward mitigating the potential negative environmental and health impacts of our festive celebrations.”

"There are many exciting activities and excellent businesses around East Gippsland that can help you reduce waste and be more sustainable – at Christmas and all through the year," Cr Crook said.

Council also advises that there will be no household bin collection on Monday 25 December, Christmas Day.

Residents whose household bins are usually collected on Mondays in Bairnsdale (East of Day Street), Lakes Entrance, Cann River, Marlo, Nowa Nowa and Newmerella should instead put their bins out on Monday evening for collection on Tuesday 26 December. No other changes are planned over the Christmas New Year period.

Council’s landfill and waste transfer stations are closed on Christmas Day and operating as normal on other days.