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People have been urged to take the right approach when it comes to getting rid of waste and recycling after Christmas.

Advice has been issued by Devon County Council and Cornwall Council about what households should do with items such as cards, batteries, wrapping paper and Christmas trees.

Council bosses have said people should make sure items destined for the bin can be recycled or even find a creative idea to reuse them – including leftover food or old electrical gadgets.

Waste collection dates are also changing across both counties, with households advised to check with their local authority when their bins will be picked up.

Liz Jarvis, a senior waste manager at Devon County Council, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service wrapping paper and Christmas cards could usually be recycled if they were not covered in plastic or glitter.

Ms Jarvis added food was a “number one nemesis” in terms of waste, with a 2022 analysis showing roughly a third of black bin waste as food.

“If you think you’ve bought something you don’t really need, then don’t forget that it can most likely be frozen and used another day,” she said.

A reminder has been issued by both councils about not putting old batteries in rubbish bins as they can cause fires.

“Take them to a supermarket or your local household waste and recycling centre for recycling,” Cornwall Council said.

Ms Jarvis added some electrical items could be taken to repair cafes – where people can take items to be fixed – to get a new lease of life.

Ms Jarvis said Christmas trees could also be recycled, with some councils offering special collections.

She said certain size restrictions applied for the collections, and those with trees that were more than 6ft (1.82m) tall should consider taking them to their local recycling centre.

Ms Jarvis added people could consider keeping a tree in their garden to get further enjoyment out of it.

“We keep our tree in the garden for as long as possible,” Ms Jarvis said.

“The longest time we’ve had it there is until May, and we usually put bird food in it and they love it.”