Evergreen options as festivities end

As Christmas decorations are being taken down around the city, Derry City Council Recycling officer, Julie Hannaway said that people just need to take some small steps to reduce – reuse and recycle this 2011.

"With the festive season drawing to a close, residents are left with a vast amount of unwanted waste which can easily be recycled or reused in some fashion.

"The Council's tree recycling services, available at any of our 7 household recycling centres, sees old Christmas Trees being shredded and then reused as compost throughout the city.

"The Blue Bins are also a good way of depositing other recyclable materials such as Christmas Cards, packaging and even used wrapping paper."

The Council's seven civic amenity and recycling centres, which are located at Pennyburn Industrial Estate, Brandywell Show Grounds, Glendermott Road, Strathfoyle, Eglinton, Park and Claudy and are open from 08.00 am to 05.00 pm, Monday to Saturday inclusive.

Ms Hannaway also highlighted some creative ways of reusing festive decorations, whilst asking people to look ahead at becoming more environmentally friendly for Christmas 2011.

"Decorations need not only be for Christmas as many items such as ribbons, angels and candles can be used throughout the year.

"Old Christmas cards can make great gift cards, book marks or postcards and can also make it on to next year's dinner table as place settings for guests at Christmas lunch.

"In addition, with many shops offering artificial trees at reduced prices it is the perfect opportunity to pick up next year's tree at a bargain price.

"Or, for those who are reluctant to make the move from the real option, why not consider using a potted tree which can replanted in your garden after the festive period."

You can find out more about the recycling options or more ideas to make those 2011 new year's resolutions easier to keep by visiting www.derrycity.gov.uk/campaigns.