FORGET buying big this Christmas, residents are urged to give gift vouchers and theatre tickets in a bid to save on rubbish.

Bin liners inevitably become stuffed with wrapping paper, packaging, and bottles during the festive season, as household waste increases by a third. This year, councils throughout North Yorkshire have launched a Rethink Rubbish initiative to help reduce the amount of waste material.

Supported by Yorventure, they are promoting a range of novel ideas, including giving Christmas presents that create less waste.

Nature lovers are asked to opt for memberships to a trust or organisation, sports fanatics a ticket to a forthcoming match and the health conscious a gym pass or beauty voucher.

Councillor John Fort, chairman of North Yorkshire Waste Strategy Steering Group, said: "There are lots of simple things people can do to make a difference. Buying rechargeable batteries for toys given as Christmas presents will reduce the number of disposable batteries that are thrown away.

"Old mobile phones can be taken back to your network provider for reuse or recycling, and older reusable clothes can be donated to charity shops or put in clothing banks."

Plenty of items can be recycled after Christmas, including Christmas trees, bottle and cans.

For further information about reducing rubbish or recycling contact your local Council's Recycling Officer at Hambleton (01609) 767305, Richmondshire (01748) 829100, City of York (01904) 551579, Harrogate (01423) 556852, Ryedale (01653) 602821 or Scarborough (01723) 232509.