VicWest Recyclers' Supervisor Peter Perry, said he wanted the public to enjoy a safe and happy Christmas and to enjoy the festivities, but he also wanted people to remember what impact placing contaminants in the recycling bins has on staff.

"We want everyone to enjoy their Christmas, but we remind the public that we don't want their food scraps in our recycling bins," Mr Perry said.

"This has been an ongoing battle for us and it always seems to get worse at this time of year.

"We are busy enough over the Christmas period without having to sort through chop bones and other food scraps."

Mr Perry also reminded residents that over the festive season, random inspections would be carried out of recycling bins throughout the city.

Anyone found with food scraps or other contaminants in their recycling bins, could have their recycling service halted until the start of the next financial year.

Northern Grampians Shire Council issued a stern warning earlier this year about contaminants being placed in recycling bins, but in many cases, it appeared to fall on deaf ears.

With the inspections now commencing, VicWest Recyclers and council are hopeful the public will do the right thing.

Mr Perry said another problem the staff at VicWest Recyclers were having, related to milk being left in bottles and dirty nappies being placed in the wrong bin.

He said this had a stressful impact on many staff members.

"It seems to be an ongoing education process for the public," he said.

"We just need to keep reminding people that food scraps, nappies and the like are not acceptable and now offenders could have their service cut off.

"I just urge people that while they are enjoying the festive season, remember we are still here working and our staff don't want to be sorting through dirty nappies and food scraps or milk cartons with an inch of milk still in the bottom.

"We hope everyone does the right thing and that we can all enjoy our Christmas."

There are many ways members of the public can assist Stawell Recyclers in ensuring smooth operation of the recycling service.

The best way is to be aware of what can and cannot be recycled.

The following materials can be recycled and should be placed in the yellow-lid wheelie bin:

* Milk and cream bottles. Remove all lids, rinse and flatten.

* Aluminium cans. All beverage cans and tin foil. Crush to save space in your bin.

* Milk and juice cartons. Wash and flatten.

* Steel cans. Food and aerosol cans. Food cans must be washed clean.

* Newspapers, magazines and cardboard. Tie securely in separate bundles and place in bin.

* Rocket bottom and R symbol plastic bottles. Clear and coloured, rinse and flatten.

* Glass bottles and jars. Rinse and remove all caps and lids.

Please do not include nappies, food waste, plastic bags, green waste, window glass, plastic meat trays, margarine containers, ceramics, cookware and cutlery in the recycle bin.

Remember to place recycle bin one metre away from the garbage bin and place the bin with wheels towards the house. The bin should be one metre away from any obstructions such as trees or poles.

Never place the bin behind a parked car, do not park in front of a bin that is awaiting collection and never over fill the bin.