AN average 12 bags of rubbish were put out by each Swindon household over Christmas and New Year, while one home dumped a massive 55 bags over the same period.

Swindon Services director John Short said: "A lot of people throw out an enormous amount over the Christmas period, with one household throwing out 55 bags.

"With a little thought and time, the majority of this rubbish could be recycled at our Barnfield site, helping to save the environment and costs."

Barnfield is open every weekday from 8am until 4.30pm and there are a further 41 recycling points around the town for bottles, cans and newspapers.

Mr Short says Barnfield accepts Christmas trees, cardboard boxes and electrical appliances, along with glass bottles and drink cans.

Mobile telephones can be recycled by putting them in postage-paid envelopes available at leisure centres and libraries, or by delivering them in person to Barnfield.