RECYCLING and rubbish collection days will change over Christmas and the new year.

During Christmas week, there will be no collections in the borough on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Collections which would normally fall on a Tuesday will take place on Saturday, December 21 and collections which usually take place on a Wednesday will take place on Christmas Eve.

Thursday and Friday collections will be one day later than usual.

During the week commencing December 31, the Wednesday to Friday collections will be one day later than usual.

In Colchester, different recycling and waste types are collected on alternating weeks, known as green and blue Weeks.

The order of these will remain the same.

Nationally, we create 30 per cent more waste than usual over the Christmas period, however most of what is used at Christmas can be recycled:

• Wrapping paper, cards and envelopes can all be placed in the clear paper recycling bag, unless it's covered in glitter or metallic foil. Ribbons, bows and other adornments must be removed too.

• Glass bottles and cans can all be placed in green recycling boxes.

• Turkey bones and other food scraps can go into the food waste caddy. Many leftovers can be frozen or reused.

• Christmas trees can be recycled through St Helena Hospice's Tree-cycle scheme by signing up here, or sawn up and placed in the garden waste sacks/bin.

• Many plastic items such as bottles, pots and tubs can be recycled

Mark Cory, Colchester Council leader, said: “We would also encourage everyone to be mindful of the environment this Christmas and think about the items they purchase, such as wrapping paper without glitter or foil which can be recycled.

"It’s also important to consider whether some items are really needed and if so, can they be recycled or reused or are there more sustainable alternatives.”

Collection days for householders will return to normal on Tuesday, January 7.

To find your recycling and rubbish collection calendar, enter your postcode at www.colchester.gov.uk/recycling.