Clearing up after Christmas? Remember to recycle!

Residents clearing up after their festive fun are being reminded there is a lot they can recycle.

Residents can easily recycle their Christmas cards, right on their doorstep as they can go into the blue-lidded bins.  And those who have used a real Christmas tree can also put this in their green garden waste bin along with any leftover food.

Household plastic packaging such as microwave trays, yoghurt pots and fruit punnets which form a large element of recycling can go in the blue-lidded bin plus clean foil together with sweet and biscuit tins.

The new recycling arrangements introduced last year for small electric items, textiles and batteries mean these can also be put in carrier bags next to residents' wheeled bins for collection. 

Anyone who received presents they didn't want and can't return them, could consider organising a present swap with friends or relatives. They could also be swapped or sold online at freecycle.co.uk and ebay.co.uk, two popular sites.  Unwanted presents may also be donated to a charity shop rather than just thrown out or put away, never to be used.

Councillor Lynda Organ, Technical Services Portfolio Holder says: "There's such a lot more we can recycle after Christmas - everything from old electrical goods to cards to trees and unwanted gifts. If there is one resolution I'd urge people to make and keep in 2014, it is to make sure they recycle everything they can - it's good for the environment, the future and also saves money."

Warwickshire County Council's household waste recycling centres in the District at Burton Farm in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shipston-on-Stour, Stockton near Southam and Wellesbourne have recycling containers for a variety of other recyclable items.  Please check www.warwickshire.gov.uk for individual opening times and materials accepted.