EBC Waste not Want Not - October 2025

Waste Not Food
Make the most of your precious pumpkins

Pumpkins are more than just a fun decoration that you can get creative with at Halloween.

There's lots of things you can do to make them into a tasty treat. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury treats, there are plenty of options. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, and pumpkin curry can be made with the flesh from leftover Halloween pumpkins. You could also use the seeds in dishes like salads or flapjacks. You can even bake, grind and sift pumpkin seeds to get a nut-free alternative to almond flour!

Be kind to nature
Have a bright, environmentally friendly Bonfire Night!
We all love seeing a bonfire and fireworks as we get into the darker seasons, but it's often not so great for our wildlife or the air. Thankfully, you can help minimise negative impacts without missing out on the fun of Bonfire Night.

1. Dispose of fireworks safely

Fireworks and sparklers are a fire risk. Make sure to soak any 'dead' fireworks and sparklers in water for 48 hours to make sure they're not flammable before disposing of them. Fireworks can't be recycled due to residual chemicals - place used fireworks in your black bin, but only once they've been soaked!

2. Go to a public display

You don't have to worry about those previous suggestions if you go to a public display! All the set up and clearing away will be done for you. As another bonus, you'll be helping to minimise emissions, reduce upset caused to neighbourhood pets and cut down on the number of dead fireworks landing around your neighbourhood. They're also usually cheaper than organising your own display!

Here at the council, we're hosting a Bonfire Night event at Long Eaton's West Park on 5 November. We'll be featuring a roaring bonfire, traditional funfair, and thrilling fireworks display to fit our "Blast from the Past" theme.

You'll save money on tickets when you buy online in advance instead of on the gate – so don't delay if you want to save.

Waste Not Materials
Simpler Recycling for Households in England
A new national initiative called 'Simpler Recycling' has been introduced by the Government. 'Simpler Recycling' aims to make recycling easier, improve recycling rates and benefit the environment by removing valuable resources from waste.

The initiative will ensure that households across England can recycle the same materials, whether you live in Erewash or London! Businesses too will now be required by law to recycle (dates for this depends on the size of the business).

Here in Erewash, we already collect the materials required legally by Simpler Recycling apart from food waste, so there won't be too many changes. However, like many councils in England we'll be introducing weekly food waste collections for households from next Spring. We will be sharing more information about this new food waste service nearer to the time.

What do I do with unwanted or broken electricals?
Batteries and vapes can cause fires if you place them into any of your bins.

Fortunately, there are a few ways you can help reduce electrical waste...

1. Buy reusables

Some electricals are reusable which could save you money. You just need to swap out a cartridge or part of the item like with razors, vapes and toothbrushes.

2. Sell or donate

If items still work but you have a new version or just don't want them anymore, you could make a quick buck by selling online or support your local community by donating.

Some charity shops can receive electrical goods so check what they can accept. You might be able donate from your doorstep through apps such as Freegle. Just take a photo, share the details and somebody nearby will pick it up - isn't that convenient!

3. Recycle

Remember to recycle used batteries, random cables and broken phones. You'll be helping the parts and metals to be reused, reducing the need for new raw materials and preventing them from being wasted.

Where can I recycle electricals?

Electricals, batteries and light bulbs can be recycled at the Derbyshire Household Waste Recycling Centres provided by Derbyshire County Council. Larger shops and supermarkets like Asda, Tesco, Aldi and Morrisons provide battery recycling points and some take back electricals for recycling.

We also provide a chargeable bulky waste collection service for households for electricals. If you book a collection, we will collect any small electrical items you may have for free (such as hairdryers, toasters, kettles and irons) - just place them in a carrier bag next to your item.

Garden waste collections - Winter Break
Our garden waste collections will soon take a break over the winter months.

In Ilkeston and surrounding areas, the last brown bin collections will take place during week starting 24 November 2025. Collections will start again from 2 March 2026 and will run to 31 March 2026.

In Long Eaton and surrounding areas, the last brown bin collections will take place during week starting 1 December 2025. Collections will start again from 9 March 2026 and will run to 31 March 2026.

You will need to renew your subscription if you would like your collections to continue from 1 April 2026. You will be able to renew your subscription from the end of January 2026.

Let us know your thoughts
If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas to help us all Waste Not, Want Not then let us know.

We are also very interested in working collaboratively with community groups and businesses to ensure a healthy and resilient future for Erewash.

Please get in touch at victoria.richards@erewash.gov.uk