The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is recycling loud for all to hear

A band of inventive elves has transformed Grimsby Tip into a magical Winter Wonderland.

Now established as a tradition at this time of year, the community recycling centre (CRC) is the place to catch the Christmas spirit.

The team at the tip have upcycled everything from old tyres to road cones to give the site a festive makeover.

Entering the site is like stepping into a mashup of the Nutcracker Ballet and the Smurfs Christmas Carol.

Giant toy soldier nutcrackers and blue-painted characters decked out in festive garb welcome visitors along the entrance route.

There are snowmen, reindeer and even the Grinch makes an appearance on by the exit gate.

Grimsby and Immingham Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) are open every day (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) from 8am to 6pm and 8am to 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Both sites are run by North East Lincolnshire Council’s waste management contractor Newlincs Development Ltd.

Last Christmas, site staff collected more than £14,500 in donations from generous visitors to give to local charities and good causes.

This year they are hoping to beat that total and have raised more than £6,000 since 1 December.

Sharon Hunt, operations director at Newlincs Development Ltd, said:

“Our staff love to pull out all the stops at Christmas time to make the Community Recycling Centres feel more welcoming than ever.

“This year we won Civic Amenity Site of the Year at a national award ceremony for the effort they put in.

“We’re lucky to have so many generous visitors to the sites and I’m grateful to everyone who has donated so far.

“All the donations will go towards our charity fund and helps support local good causes.”

Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for Environment and Transport at the Council, added:

“The award-winning staff at Grimsby and Immingham tips do a fantastic job spreading Christmas cheer and giving people lots to smile about.

“Grimsby and Immingham recycling centres are open daily. Please use them for your excess waste and recycling during the festive season.”

Grimsby CRC is in Estuary Way, Grimsby DN31 2UD. Immingham CRC is in Queens Road, Immingham DN40 1QR.

Visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/tip for more details.