As Christmas fast approaches, it is time to start thinking of how to get rid of the rubbish that accumulates over the festive period. 

From food waste you can't compost to unrecyclable plastic, black and green bins can get full very quickly over the festive period.

If you're not looking for bin collection times, check here for Christmas tip opening times for Darlington's nearest waste recycling centres and find out what you can recycle.

Here's the temporary changes for bin collection times in Darlington over Christmas. 

Christmas bin collection times in Darlington

There will be no change to our collection times over the festive period, Darlington Borough Council confirmed.

The Council has asked all residents to have bins ready by 7am as collection times may change.

St Teresa's Hospice and the Rotary Club will be collecting real Christmas trees for a donation on Saturday, January 8, and Sunday, January 9.

What goes in your recycling bin?

With increased awareness of climate change and our impact on the planet, more of us will be looking to recycle as much as possible. 

It can be difficult to know what types of plastics are recyclable and whether you can put wrapping paper your recycling bin.

Here's what you can recycle using your recycling bin:

  • all plastic bottles (squash and replace lids except pumps)
  • plastic pots (such as yoghurt, cream)
  • plastic tubs (such as margarine, butter, ice cream)
  • plastic trays (such as fruit, meat)
  • all paper
  • Cardboard boxes can go in your recycling bin while large cardboard boxes can be flattened and placed next to your recycling bin - but it must be dry.
  • greetings cards (plain cards without foil, glitter or ribbon)
  • envelopes
  • all steel and aluminium food tins and drink cans
  • tin foil and foil trays, no grease or oil
  • biscuit and sweet tins
  • all cartons e.g. fruit juice, drinks and soup
  • squash and replace lid
  • aerosol cans