EAST HAMPSHIRE householders are being asked to ensure they get their recycling right over Christmas by following these ten top tips.

During the busy Christmas period households are often too pre-occupied with the festivities to make sure their refuse is removed and the right items are recycled.

So to prevent these seasonal slip-ups East Hampshire District Council has issued ten simple steps:

• Make sure you check your collection calendar for changes to the collection days

• Remember Garden Waste collections are suspended over Christmas so crews can help with the extra volumes of recycling and refuse at this time of the year

• Remember to TREECycle by putting your Christmas tree out for collection as indicated on your collection calendar.

• Remind yourself which items can and can’t be recycled so you don’t contaminate a whole bin with a few items

• Wrapping paper cannot be recycled – try to reduce the amount you use

• Make sure your empty bottles go to a recycling bank or are put out for kerbside collection

• Plan meals carefully so you only use what you need

• Use your leftovers as soon as possible or freeze them for later use.

• Compost as much food waste as possible

• Only use your green refuse bin as a last resort.

Commenting on the tips Cllr Adam Carew, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “Everyone can play their part to help the environment, not only over the Christmas period but throughout the year, by following this simple advice and making sure everyone at home knows which items go into which bin.

“We wish everyone a Happy Christmas and now is the perfect time for that New Year’s resolution to reduce refuse and recycle more during 2016.”