West Devon Christmas and New Year refuse collections - plus useful advice!

You've got to hand it to our Borough Council. They are 100% consistent with their recycling message, and seldom miss an opportunity to advise us how we can be even greener.

At this time of year, we'd expect to be informed about refuse collection... and here in West Devon sure enough! We've added seasonal ideas on using left-overs (a link worth following) and festive recycling as well.

Here's what they say...

Love Christmas, Hate Waste

West Devon Borough Council is encouraging residents to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle their waste as much as possible during the festive period.

Recycling and waste Collections will run one day later during the weeks beginning December 26, 2011 and January 2, 2012. Please put your box out every week – even if it's only a small amount – as this speeds up the collections.

Here are some good reasons for West Devon residents to remember the three Rs this Christmas:

* National research has indicated that £12 billion worth of food is thrown out every year in UK homes. That's between £480 and £680 worth of food per household.  Put those leftovers to good use by visiting www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/southwest for tasty recipes and seasonal tips to make the most of your Christmas budget.

* Have you ever thought about recycling your Christmas tree? It's simple, just put it out with your garden waste sacks or take it to a recycling centre. In the UK approximately 250 tonnes of Christmas trees are simply thrown out following the holiday season. Even better - buy a living tree that can be planted in the garden when you've finished with it.

* We will take wrapping paper, Christmas cards and cardboard in your recycling box.

* Don't forget you can also recycle batteries, spectacles, mobile phones, textiles and plastic bottles with your usual paper, card, cans and glass collections. 

* 13,350 tonnes of glass is thrown out in the UK during the festive season – from champagne bottles to cranberry sauce jars. In terms of CO2 savings, recycling that glass would be the equivalent to taking around 1,300 cars off the road for one year. 

For more information and details of recycling facilities in your area see your local press, visit www.westdevon.gov.uk  or call 01822 813600.