Christmas time is a wonderful time of the year but it is also a time when households tend to accumulate more waste than usual.
New Year is also a time in which many families decide to have a clear out, getting rid of unwanted items and replacing them with news ones they may have acquired over Christmas.
And all unwanted items and general rubbish must have somewhere to go, but not all local skips and tips may be open on the day you decide to do your run.
READ MORE: North East bin collection dates for Christmas and New Year including Newcastle, Northumberland, Durham and Sunderland
With busy bank holiday periods, many workers of such sites will also have the day off to relax with their loved ones - and over the December and January transition, limited hours of operation may come into play, while many of the tips also require you book a slot in advance.
So it's always good to check if your local recycling centre is up and running before you head out, to save you wasting a trip out the house when you could otherwise be relaxing.
County Durham
Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) will be open as normal over the festive period, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Members of the public are encouraged to check www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc before visiting a recycling centre, particularly in case of bad weather. The website includes further information about locations and opening hours.
Real Christmas tree collections will also be available in the New Year. Residents can book a free collection online at www.durham.gov.uk/christmastreecollections or calling 03000 260000 up to Friday 6 January.
Sunderland
If you have any extra recycling or general waste that won't fit in your bin, you can use the Household Waste and Recycling Centres at Pallion, or Campground at Wrekenton. You must book to use these centres.
The Pallion site is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Campground is closed on Christmas Day.
North Tyneside
The Household waste recycling centre is open every day except Christmas Day. Please note: You must request a permit and book an appointment before attending the Household Waste Recycling Centre. The operating hours for the acceptance of waste/materials are between 8am and 8pm daily.
South Tyneside
The Recycling village will be open every day from 9am to 6pm except for Christmas Day when it is closed.
To book a slot visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/recyclingvillage or via the Council's Customer Contact Centre on (0191) 427 7000.
Residents are also advised that they can recycle their Christmas trees at 14 sites across South Tyneside up to 13 January.
Only real Christmas trees, with all decorations removed, are accepted at these sites. The council turns the trees into compost and soil improver, some of which goes to local parks and green spaces.
Newcastle
Open every day apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. All centres will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve but remember last entry times to the sites are 20 minutes before closing time. Please check the main Household Waste Recycling Centre pages for opening times.
Northumberland
All HWRCs are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Gateshead
Household Waste and Recycling Centres are open as normal over Christmas but closed on Christmas day.
You should arrive any time within your 30 minute time slot, you do not have to arrive at the beginning of the slot. If you arrive early before your time slot, you may be asked to leave and return during your time slot.
As the 30 minute time slot is for your arrival only, you can continue unloading your vehicle after your time slot has ended if needed. We reserve the right to refuse entry if you arrive outside of your allocated time.
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