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.

Residents who were given new electrical items for Christmas and planning to throw out any old ones, are being reminded they can recycle them instead. Cameras, hairdryers, DVD players, mobile phones, kettles, toasters, power tools, food mixers... all of these and more can be taken to Warwickshire County Council's household waste recycling centres in the District – at Burton Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon; Shipston-on-Stour, and Stockton near Southam and Wellesbourne.  Please check www.warwickshire.gov.uk for individual opening times.

Anyone who received presents they didn't want and can't return, 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 could 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 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 2013, it's to make sure they recycle everything they can - it's good for the environment, the future and also saves money."