We all eat, drink and buy more at this time of year, resulting in tonnes of extra rubbish, but now householders are being advised on how they can help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by sticking to the 3 'Rs' - reduce, re-use and recycle.

Angus Council's convener of infrastructure services, David May said: "People in Angus are already enthusiastic about recycling, but as more waste is produced during the festive period, I hope that people will think about how they can recycle."

The top tips from the council's recycling team are:

• Give gifts with less packaging and buy gift vouchers or charity gift donations, as they don't create lots of waste

• Take reusable bags out with you when doing your Christmas shopping

• Give gifts in gift bags that can be used again and again – and unwrap your presents carefully so the paper can be re-used

• Buy recycled Christmas cards or send electronic greetings
• Only buy and cook what the food you'll need – your waistline will thank you for it too!

• Remember that paper plates, disposable napkins and plastic cutlery all contribute to unnecessary waste.
After Christmas:

• Don't put your Christmas cards in the recycled paper bin. Take them to recycling centres or find out if a supermarket or charity will take them.

• Don't put glossy Christmas wrapping paper in the recycled paper bin, as it is not readily recycled. This should go in with ordinary waste.

• Take your Christmas tree to the nearest recycling centre, rather than putting it in the green waste bin. Only as a last resort should you put it out with your general waste.

Householders are also reminded that Christmas and New Year mean there will be different dates for the collection of household waste bins and recycling boxes.

To help minimise householders' excess waste problems, refuse will be picked up from all households during the week before Christmas (from December 17) and the week after New Year (from January 7).

There will be no waste or kerbside recycling collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and on New Year's Day and January 2. In addition, it is likely that the green compost bins will not be collected during the four-week period from December 17 to January 7.

The changes will affect most households so look out for a leaflet currently being distributed for more information.

The recycling centres in Angus will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and January 2. The centres are likely to be open on all other days for recycling and the disposal of bulky items.

All requests for the special collection of bulky items received during the period from December 24 until January 4 are likely to be rescheduled to after January 7.

The collection service for commercial premises will be limited for the two-week holiday period, and leaflets outlining the changes will be provided to those concerned.

More information on the refuse collections over the festive period is also available from ACCESSLine on 08452 777 778.