KENNET District Council is urging council tax payers to help the environment by reducing the amount of waste put in black bags.

It said at Christmas, residents produce some 1,500 tonnes of waste, which is sent to landfill sites.

A council spokesman said: "We are asking people to reduce the amount of waste produced during the festive season, by following a few simple steps.

Consider buying locally produced or fairly traded products

When buying Christmas presents, re-use a previously used carrier bag

Buy a Christmas tree that comes from a sustainable forest, or buy a potted one with roots. Keep it cool and watered and after Christmas plant it outside

Buy an artificial tree

If you have purchased any battery-operated goods, replace flat batteries with rechargeable ones. It will reduce hazardous waste and save money

Try to reduce the amount of packaging taken home

Re-use materials or take them to charities, playgroups and schools, or save them for a rainy day activity for children

Compost all vegetable peelings and garden waste in a home composter

Reuse Christmas cards to make gift tags for next year.

Mark Smith, Kennet's environment and amenity services manager, said: "We want residents to think about the environment and to remember the importance of reducing the amount of waste. Our key message this Christmas is to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle."