National Tree Week takes place later this month (23 November to 1 December) marking the start of the annual tree planting season.

We can all do our bit to help preserve our magnificent forests by making sure that all unwanted paper and cardboard that is suitable for recycling goes in our home recycling bins.

Our recent research showed that 50% of cardboard found in household general waste bins was clean, dry and could have been recycled, so don’t forget to recycle your used cardboard at home.

With Christmas just around the corner many of us may be thinking about replacing old electronic goods such as phones, tablets, computers, televisions, fridges, vacuums, dishwashers, microwaves or power tools.

If you are, please remember to recycle your old gadgets at any of the recycling centres in Nottinghamshire, because modern electronics contain rare resources such as copper, silver and gold, which can be recovered and reused.

Please don’t place any electricals in your kerbside general waste or recycling bins.

Are your Christmas decorations getting a little tired?

Before you head to the shops to buy new ones, why not check out our fun, easy to follow festive repair and reuse online workshops?  

The videos contain step by step instructions (which can also be downloaded) on how to make a variety of beautiful handmade decorations from old unwanted textiles.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even learn how to make a shopping bag to carry home all your Christmas goodies.

We know it’s still November but if you are the organised type, and you are about to go and buy wrapping paper and Christmas cards, please remember that foil paper or paper with glitter can’t be recycled.

If you can, look for paper that passes the scrunch test instead. Simply scrunch the paper into a ball and if it stays scrunched up pop it in your recycling bin!

Don't forget, you can use our free Recycling Checker to find out what else you can recycle this Christmas.

While we are talking about Christmas, look out for our exciting Christmas competition that will be in our December newsletter!

With winter approaching and root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, swede and potatoes in season, why not try our delicious root vegetable pie recipe?

It is a winter warmer for all the family that uses up any root vegetables that you have left over. 

If you are tempted by this recipe why not check out our free online cookbook? It's packed with ideas to help you love your leftovers and reduce food waste.

Throughout November, December, January and February all of our recycling centres will open from 8am until 4pm.

In fact the only days the county's recycling centres are closed are Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Remember, you will need to register your vehicle to get access to all of our recycling centres.