BUYING new furniture in the sales? Lewisham people are being reminded to recycle their old goods.

If you have a mattress to dispose of, you can book a collection free from the Lewisham Council. Complete the online form at lewisham.gov.uk/recycling or call 020 8314 7171.

You can then put your mattress by your bin and the crew will be told and take it away.

Many charity shops are keen to take second hand furniture, provided it is in good condition, and they will often collect direct from your home. Visit lewisham.gov.uk/recycling for the list.

Larger items that not suitable for a charity shop can be taken to the council site at Landmann Way, New Cross or, for a small charge, will be collected by the council.

Cabinet member for customer services Councillor Susan Wise said: "As Christmas and the New Year approaches, some people will be taking full advantage of sales and special offers to replace old furniture and fittings.

"The council has lots of way they can safely dispose of their old items so they don’t have to worry about how to get rid of things they no longer need."