Zero waste Leeds (going green in a major city)
Leeds is a major city in the large county of Yorkshire, in north west England. A busy place with a rich industrial past, it also has a growing network of green spaces and plenty of ways to live more sustainably.
Everyday waste has an impact beyond the contents of a household bin. Food waste, packaging, disposable cups, clothing and electrical goods all require resources to produce and transport.
A lower-waste lifestyle can support local businesses too. Buying from independent shops, markets, repair services and community projects helps keep more spending in the local economy.
Protect Leeds’s nature and green spaces
Leeds is more than its city centre. The city and surrounding area include parks, woodlands, wetlands, rivers and open countryside. These places provide homes for wildlife, space for recreation and valuable connections between habitats.
If out walking, follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe (learn how to upright an overturned sheep). Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms, cliffs and toxic plants/trees.
Protecting green spaces together
These areas are not the only natural places worth protecting. Smaller parks, allotments, community gardens, roadside verges and river corridors can all provide habitat and improve life in the city.
When visiting any green space:
- Take all your rubbish home if bins are full or unavailable.
- Keep dogs under control and pick up after them.
- Do not feed wild birds or other animals.
- Avoid picking flowers or disturbing nests.
- Stay on marked paths where signs ask you to.
- Report fly-tipping to the relevant council
Some nice green spaces in Leeds
- Roundhay Park is one of the best-known green spaces in Leeds. Its lakes, woodland, open lawns and gardens attract visitors throughout the year.
- Middleton Park includes woodland, open spaces and historic features.
- The Meanwood Valley Trail links green spaces and wooded areas through the city. It offers a chance to enjoy nature without travelling far. Walk, cycle or use public transport to reach the trail where practical, and respect signs and private land along the route.
- The River Aire and the green spaces around Kirkstall support wildlife and provide important corridors through the urban landscape. Litter can be carried by rain into drains and waterways, so disposing of rubbish properly matters even when you are some distance from the river.
- Rodley Nature Reserve is a wetland habitat where visitors can observe birds and other wildlife. Keep to the paths and viewing areas.
- Golden Acre Park offers gardens, woodland and a lake/
Shop with less packaging
Carry a reusable bag, buy only what you need and choose products with less packaging when there is a practical option. Some shops offer refill options or allow customers to bring containers.
Free recycling of office and electronic goods
T & M Yorkshire is a family business that offers free recycling of all your electronic waste, from laptops to IT equipment. Shops that sell electric goods must also legally take back old items for recycling (even if you’re not buying things). This company is more for en-masse (say you’re closing down an office).
