Croydon Council is urging residents to cut down on the seasonal fly-tipping and litter-dropping that can blight the festive period.

Problems that can occur over Christmas range from cigarette butts and drink cans being left outside bars and clubs to unwanted household appliances that are replaced by new presents being dumped illegally.

Some residents also throw out boxes and use wrapping paper that should be recycled.
People who receive new appliances over Christmas are being urged to dispose of them at one of the council’s recycling centres.

A pick up service for bulky items is also available from the council for a small charge.
As part of the Keep It Clean campaign, launched last week in partnership with the Croydon Guardian, the council has warned it will get tough on litter louts and fly-tippers, with area enforcement officers cracking down, with fines and, where necessary, further legal action.

Small electrical items can now be recycled under a new system so people can get rid of a number of things that might be replaced around Christmas.

The council has set aside special containers across Croydon for the disposal of small electrical items. Anything placed into the containers is taken to a specialist plant and separated into individual parts for recycling.

Five recycling centres are involved in the scheme, with the council planning to add another five in early 2013.

People can dispose of the items at centres in Lion Green Lane, in Coulsdon, Limpsfield Road, in Sanderstead, and Pagehurst Road, in Croydon.

There are also recycling centres in Forestdale car park, Selsdon Park Road and Central Parade, New Addington.

Councillor Phil Thomas, cabinet member for highways and environmental services, said: “Over a lifetime, each person will go through an average of 3.3 tonnes of electrical waste, so it is really important to recycle all old electrical items rather than throwing them in the bin."

For more information on recycling visit croydon.gov.uk/  environment.
Follow the campaign at croydon.gov.uk/keepitclean.