FCC Environment is encouraging residents to:
- Reuse Halloween costumes from previous years where possible
- Donate unwanted costumes and decorations to charity shops, schools or community groups
- Try repairing damaged items before replacing them
- Protectively store decorations so they aren’t damaged and can be used again the following year
- Remove batteries from lights, ornaments and other electrical decorations before recycling, storage, or disposal
- Compost pumpkins after Halloween or use leftover pumpkin flesh in recipes rather than throwing away
Residents are also being reminded that many popular Halloween decorations contain hidden batteries. String lights, illuminated pumpkins, novelty props and animated decorations can all contain lithium-ion batteries, which should never be placed in general waste or recycling bins.
If damaged or disposed of incorrectly, batteries can cause fires in collection vehicles, recycling facilities and waste processing sites.
Cllr Morgan Brobyn, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Food, Waste and Rural Affairs, said:
“The best Halloween fright is one enjoyed while trick-or-treating, not a battery causing a fire in a recycling vehicle or recycling centre.
“If your costumes and decorations can be reused, donated or stored for next year, that's always the better option. And if they contain batteries, take a moment to remove and recycle them separately. A few extra seconds can help prevent a serious fire.”
Cassie Webster, General Manager Materials Trading, RDF & Reuse UK at FCC Environment, said:
“Halloween is a great opportunity for families to get creative, but it's also a time when a lot of perfectly usable items get thrown away when they could be used again or donated. Costumes, decorations and accessories often have many years of life left in them.
“By reusing, repairing or donating items instead of replacing them, people can save money and help reduce the amount of waste that is generated over Halloween. Donating items also gives other people the opportunity to enjoy something that you enjoyed yourself while saving money in the process.
“We’re also asking people to make sure that any Halloween decorations they are throwing or storing away do not contain batteries. Batteries should always be recycled separately, as incorrect disposal can create a serious fire risk. If items with lithium batteries are stored unsafely or ends up in the wrong bins, they can very quickly become a highly dangerous fire that puts you, collection and recycling crews, and the fire services at risk.”
FCC Environment works closely with local councils to help residents reduce waste, increase recycling and make the most of valuable resources. By keeping reusable items in use for longer and recycling correctly, residents can play an important role in reducing environmental impacts and supporting more sustainable communities.
Suffolk residents can find information on how and where to dispose of batteries, vapes, and other hazardous items at www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk or by speaking to staff at your local recycling centre.
