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 put this next to their green garden waste bin, trees over five foot tall should be cut in two.  Any leftover food can go in the green bin.

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 and sweet and biscuit tins.

Small electric items, textiles and batteries can 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 Mike Brain, Technical Services Portfolio says: "We know our residents are good at recycling, so this is just a reminder about other things that can be recycled at this time of year - 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 2016, 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, Stratford-upon-Avon; Shipston-on-Stour, and 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.