Want to recycle your Christmas jumper? Did you know that you can put that, and other textiles, in a tied carrier bag in your recycling box.

That is just one of the tips from the local council about the rubbish collections over Christmas and New Year. Other things that can go into the recycling crate include wrapping paper, as long it isn't glittery or made of foil and the foil containers from mince pies.

The changes to collections days include recycling and rubbish, assisted pick-ups and clinical waste. As usual, there will be no garden waste collections from 23 December to 3 January; they resume from 6 January.

A SWP spokesman said: "Before and after Christmas and New Year, please do not overload our vehicles or crews. Put excess materials from festive parties, internet deliveries and Christmas clear-ups out over time or take them all to a recycling site."

Individual recycling site opening days vary - check details on www.somersetwaste.gov.uk - but the network is open every day of the year except Christmas, Boxing and New Year days.

All recycling sites will be open 9am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays on 21-22 and 28-29 December, and 4-5 January.