SOMERSET residents have been asked to consider using recycling centres and only cooking what they need so festive bin collections go off smoothly.

Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) has published advice to help reduce waste.

An SWP spokesperson said: “Everyone wants to make the most of the festive season while keeping costs low.

“This is a good time to get into new routine, and there are lots of small steps everyone can take to waste less and save more this Christmas.

"Just making one or two changes can make a difference.

“By reducing, reusing and recycling you can end 2022 and start 2023 doing your bit to protect our environment, help tackle climate change and save money.”

Meanwhile, recycling and refuse kerbside collections continue as normal until Friday, December 23.

There are no collections on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or Monday, January 2.

Collections over Christmas and new year will be a day later than normal, with normal services resumed on Monday, January 9.

There will be no garden waste collections throughout the festive fortnight.

If you can’t compost your Christmas tree at home, leave it by your garden waste bin for collection from January 9.

If your tree is more than six feet tall or you do not subscribe to garden waste collections, you should take it to a household waste recycling centre.

Alternatively, charities will collect trees from certain areas - visit www.just-helping.org.uk for details.

Recycling centre will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Wrapping paper with tape and decorations removed can be left in your black recycling box, along with cards and crackers.

Empty chocolate and biscuit tins, as well as plastic tubs can be recycled.

Pringles tubes or similar should be taken to a recycling centres, except for Castle Cary, Cheddar, Dulverton and Somerton.

Foil from mince pies or similar goodies can be scrunched up and put in the bright blue bag.

Christmas lights and batteries can be left in an untied bag alongside your recycling boxes or take them to a recycling centre.

The SWP spokesperson said: "To reduce waste over the Christmas period, try making a meal plan, so that you only buy what you need and eat all of what you buy.

"By stocking up on cupboard staples like rice and pasta, you can turn leftovers into fun new meals and ensure less food goes to waste."