Isle’s bin collection changes over Christmas

From December 20, says North Lincolnshire Council, you will receive an extra collection of your general waste to help with the increase in rubbish over Christmas.

Brown bin collections will cease from December 20 and start again the week commencing Monday, January 4.

Burgundy bins, boxes and bags will continue to be collected. Check your calendar to find out what dates collections will be.

If you don’t have a collection calendar you can find your dates online by putting in your postcode, visit:www.northlincs.gov.uk/bins-waste-recycling/recycle-at-home/collection-dates/ You can request a new collection calendar by using the online form, or call the Customer Contact Centre on 01724 297000.

Christmas is a busy time and it is easy to forget to reduce, reuse and recycle. More than half the rubbish created over the festive season can be recycled.

Make sure you use your recycling boxes, bins and bag collections or take items to your nearest recycling bank.

There are many ways to avoid waste and recycle more.

Before Christmas: think of alternatives to wrapping your presents; use gift bags or boxes, try string or ribbon instead of sticky tape – all of which can be used over and over again.

Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website for ideas on using up leftovers, tips on food storage and correct portion sizes.

And rather than spending money on unwanted gifts give vouchers, experience days or memberships to organisations.

Send e-cards or festive texts instead of cards, and choose a natural Christmas tree that still has its roots so it can be planted up and used next year.

After the festive period:

Recycle real Christmas trees (without decorations) in your brown bin or at the Household Recycling Centre’s garden waste container. If placing in your brown bin ensure that the branches and trunk are no larger than 100mm/four inches in diameter and that the lid is shut.

Christmas cards without glitter can be recycled in your burgundy bin or taken to the Household Recycling Centre and put in the cardboard skip. Alternatively you could reuse as gift tags next year.

The Council is unable to recycle wrapping paper, due to most having foil and plastic inside.

Biscuit and chocolate tins can be recycled in your green box as well as old batteries (placed in a clear bag on top of your tins and cans).

Unwanted electrical items, including mobiles, can be placed in a standard carrier bag and placed alongside recycling boxes to be recycled. If the item is still in good condition think about donating it to charity.

Winter opening times are now in place at all of the eight Household Recycling Centres across North Lincolnshire.

The site at Cottage Beck Road in Scunthorpe is open from 8am to 4pm, seven days a week. All other sites are open from 10am to 4pm, Friday to Tuesday, including Belton.

All sites will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

For more information on Household Recycling Centres, please visit the recycling pages on the council’s website,www.northlincs.gov.uk/bins-waste-recycling/household-recycling-centres/