Everything you need to know about Christmas recycling - from where to recycle your Christmas tree to getting rid of wrapping paper

People in the borough are being urged to ‘think green’ by cutting down on waste and recycling more.

South Tyneside Council is reminding residents that glitter and wrapping paper cannot be recycled so should be disposed of in the grey household waste bins.

Glass bottles and jars, plastic cartons and bottles, cardboard and even small electrical appliances can all be recycled in the main part of the blue bin while paper, newspapers and magazines should go in the inner caddy.

Residents are also advised that polystyrene, bows and ribbons, plastic bags and baubles as well as dirty takeaway boxes or trays should be disposed of in the grey household bin.

Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, Councillor Joan Atkinson, said: “I would urge people to check which items are suitable for recycling as inappropriate items can contaminate an entire load.

“Glitter cannot be recycled so any Christmas cards with glitter on should be disposed of in the grey household waste bins along with wrapping paper which is often foil, laminated or dyed which makes it unsuitable for recycling.

“Please take a second to check which items are recyclable, rinse any residue from the containers and put them in the correct bin.”

Residents are also reminded that they can recycle their Christmas trees at 14 sites across the borough.

The council turns the trees into compost and soil improver – some of which goes to local parks and green spaces.

Where to recycle Christmas trees

South Shields

Temple Park Leisure Centre (next to recycling site)

North Marine Park (opposite Vespasian Avenue)

Mowbray Park (off Osborne Avenue)

Readhead Park (Cemetery Approach)

West Park (play area, West Park Road)

Recycling Village (Middlefields)

Jarrow

West Park (corner of Pine Street and South View)

Hebburn

Campbell Park Road (corner of Adair Way)

St Andrew’s Centre (Church Street)

Boldon, Cleadon and Whitburn

Disco Park (rear of Old Store Buildings)

Grange Park (North Lane entrance)

Cornthwaite Park (car park)

Coulthard Park (car park)

Oakleigh Gardens (Driveway)

The Recycling Village at Middlefields will be open from 8am until 6pm until Monday, January 6.