South Oxfordshire District Council is reminding householders that old tinsel scraps and broken baubles can’t be recycled and is urging residents to put them in their general waste bin instead of the recycling.

The local authority is also urging householders to not bin any broken fairy lights or used batteries.

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The council said: “Small electricals, such as broken Christmas lights – should go in a tied carrier bag next to your black general waste bin

“Used batteries should go in a clear bag on top of your green recycling bin or take them to your supermarket drop off point.

“Never put them inside a bin as they are a major fire risk!”

This comes after the council stated that bin crews can only empty household wheelie bins if the lids are fully closed.

Crew members check to make sure that the waste is fully contained within each bin.

They need to do this because there is a real risk that an overfilled bin won’t attach properly to the lifting equipment at the rear of the collection vehicle.

Councillor Sam James-Lawrie, cabinet member for environment at South Oxfordshire council, previously said: “The waste collection industry is one of the highest risk of injury jobs within the UK.

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“Crew members are wheeling bins full of waste to the collection vehicle around 500 times per day, so it’s important that their well-being is protected.

“That’s why we’re asking everyone to work with us and check their bin before they roll it out.

“An open lid, even just slightly raised, signals that a bin is too full. So, to ensure the rubbish can be emptied, make sure the lid is shut.”