SWINDON Council has already made provision for recycling Christmas cards before many have even been sent.

From December 1, residents will be able to put unwanted greetings cards with other cardboard material out for the usual newspaper and magazine doorstep collection service.

It is hoped that the total amount of waste diverted away from landfill will double because of the initiative.

Coun Fionuala Foley (Con, Old Town and Lawns) said: "This is a significant improvement in the recycling service provided and enables a further 11 per cent of total household waste to be recycled.

It is important that those who have a recycling box use the service and play their part in saving the planet's natural resources for future generations.

"Recycling also saves on precious landfill space and avoids the stringent landfill tax charges imposed by the Government."

Every user of the service will receive a leaflet describing the changes and a calendar highlighting collection dates.

The improvement is part of a scheme of recycling initiatives that will come on stream over the next two years.

For more information, call 01793 463000.