NORTH Yorkshire County Council is urging residents to think green as they brace themselves for the clear-up operation after Christmas.

Figures show that the Christmas glut can increase the number of black bags left out for bin collectors by an extra third.

As in previous years, the council's household waste recycling centres will be collecting real trees for composting and householders are also urged to take cardboard and empty cans and bottles.

Alternative kerbside collection schemes can be used where they are available.

Councillor Clare Wood, executive member with responsibility for waste management, said: "Recycling trees and cards is easy to do and has a positive environmental impact.

''Not only will you help limit the amount of waste being landfilled, but by recycling cards you are also helping to care for local native woodlands."

Old Christmas cards can be recycled at Tesco, TK Maxx and WH Smith stores, between January 2 and 31.

These stores work with the Woodland Trust and the money from recycling is used by the charity to help protect native woodlands, 45 of which are in North Yorkshire.

The cards will be made into others, helping to reduce the number of trees needed to produce such items.

For more information about recycling or the nearest recycling centre, contact the waste management team on 01609-532512 or visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/environment/ waste