Householders in Dumbarton and the Vale have been advised of Christmas and New Year arrangements for bin collections.

Over the festive period, there will be temporary changes to waste and recycling collections to account for public holidays.

Instead of Monday, December 25, and Tuesday, December 26, uplifts will take place on Saturday, December 23 and Sunday, December 24, respectively.

And instead of Monday, January 1, and Tuesday, January 2, uplifts will be carried out on Saturday, December 30, and Sunday, December 31, respectively.

Normal waste and recycling collection will resume from Monday, January 8, 2018.

Meanwhile, the council is urging residents to cut down on the amount of waste they throw away this Christmas.

The council has issued advice on recycling in anticipation of a big rise in waste and energy consumption that traditionally occurs as families start the festive break.

Unwanted gifts, wrapping paper and packaging all contribute to the big increase.

Councillor Iain McLaren, said: “We are all looking forward to a wonderful Christmas break with our nearest and dearest, but we would like to ask residents to pay special attention to the amount of waste they generate this year.”

The councillor, who is convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “The council tries to make it as easy as possible for residents to do the right thing when it comes to recycling and there are also smart steps you can take to reduce the amount of energy you use.

“With a little bit of effort, we can all make a real impact on waste.”

Councillor Diane Docherty, vice convener of the committee, said West Dunbartonshire had a recycling rate of about 47 percent, “which is not bad”.

She added: “We are working very hard to improve that and if we as residents can all make an extra effort at Christmas, that would be a very good start.”

The council offers a wide range of recycling options and says, even if people need to throw something away, it should never go to waste.

Brown bins accept all kind of food waste and the council has recently made it easier for residents to request new liners for their food waste caddies.

When you get down to your last few liners, simply tie one to the handle of your brown bin and the waste collectors will know to leave you a new roll.

Blue bins take plastic bottles, tubs and trays (as long as they’re not black), paper (including Christmas paper), food and drink cans, and cardboard and cartons.