With over 30 per cent more rubbish produced over the Christmas period, Torfaen Council has come up with some handy tips on how to recycle as much as possible.
Loads of items can be recycled in your black box but we cannot accept wrapping paper, Christmas cards, envelopes or cardboard.
By following some handy tips, you can help boost the county borough's recycling rate of 45% - the best in South Wales.
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When shopping for Christmas presents and food use reusable shopping bags or reuse carrier bags.
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Do not overwrap Christmas presents- use a Christmas stocking instead of paper or use recycled paper.
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Try sending electronic cards.
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Cut up old Christmas cards and make tags for presents.
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Buy Christmas trees with roots so they can be replanted in the garden or buy an artificial Christmas tree that can be reused.
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Buy rechargeable instead of disposable batteries.
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Use your black box for recycling paper, glass bottles and jars, tins, cans and aerosols, textiles and plastic bottles that you dispose of.
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You can also take cardboard, glass, cans, paper, plastic bottles, and textiles to recycling banks in Torfaen. Alternatively take your waste to the Household Waste Recycling Centre in New Inn.
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Remember to compost fruit and vegetable peelings.
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Take your old Christmas tree to Greenmeadow Community Farm in Cwmbran.
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Take your Christmas cards to Woodland Trust banks at TK Max and WH Smith.
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Use your green bin for kitchen and garden waste.
Councillor John Cunningham, Executive Member for Operational Services, said: "We want residents to enjoy the festive season and spare a thought for the environment by recycling as much as they can."
The council is allowing residents on the twin bin scheme to put out up to two bags of side waste for their first black bin collection after Christmas.
For more information visit the Rubbish, Waste and Recycling| area of the website.