Make your Christmas a green one this year by recycling your Christmas tree, cards and wrapping paper when the festivities come to an end — that's the message to West Devon Borough Council residents.  At this time of year when many households find they have more rubbish than usual the council can also announce further improvements to its recycling scheme. This year residents can now recycle all types of cardboard and paper, including greeting cards, envelopes and wrapping paper in their green kerbside box.

Last year after the Christmas period West Devon residents sent over 40% more household waste to landfill than they had in previous months. To increase the borough's green credentials those residents who are on the garden waste scheme can also have their Christmas trees collected after the yuletide festivities. Trees will be collected if they are placed beside bags on your normal garden waste collection day. Alternatively you can take your Christmas tree to one of the Sat Bring Services on Saturday, January 9. These are based at Yelverton (Leg-O-Mutton car park): 9am - 4pm, Northlew (the Square): 9am - 12 noon, Bratton Clovelly (Parish Hall car park): 1pm - 4pm, South Zeal (Recreation Ground car park): 9am - 12 noon and Hatherleigh (Market car park): 1pm - 4pm.

Recyclable materials may be taken to recycling banks or to the recycling centres at Crowndale Road, Tavistock and Exeter Road, Okehampton (closed on December 25/26 and January 1). For further information, contact Customer Services on 01822 813600.