Leicestershire County Council is encouraging Coalville area residents to consider the three 'Rs' over the Christmas and New Year period – reduce, reuse and recycle when it comes to waste.

Figures show that, from wrapping paper to decorations, celebrations at this time of year create around 30 per cent more waste compared to the rest of the year and the council is sharing top tips focused on residents having 'greener' festivities.

These include helping people to consider reducing what is bought, reusing what they can and recycling correctly.

Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda, said: "We're encouraging residents to plan ahead to prevent waste and to recycle right this festive season. 

"If we work together, our small actions can really make a big difference in creating a cleaner, greener Leicestershire." 

Suggestions include:

• Storing leftovers correctly
• Mending Christmas lights rather than throwing them away
• Donating unwanted clothes and decorations
• Bottles, cans, and wrapping paper and cards without foil or glitter can also be easily recycled in kerbside recycling

Leicestershire's recycling and household waste sites in the Ashby area will be open as usual over the Christmas and New Year period apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day when all sites will be closed.

Regular kerbside collections make it easier to recycle but please check with the district or borough council to see if collection days change over the festive season. 

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Residents should also recycle their batteries responsibly, check for hidden batteries and remember they don't belong in their general waste or recycling bins. To find out more about the dangers of 'zombie batteries', visit www.takecharge.org.uk  

The council's Christmas tips can be found online at www.lesswaste.org.uk/christmas-waste These will also be shared on the council's social media accounts and the Leicestershire Recycling Facebook page.