Photo by pure julia on Unsplash
PLEASE NOTE: As recycling is specific to your Council, please check their website first to see what you can or cannot recycle first.
Can I recycle this?
Gift Wrap- YES and NO
This can be tricky as some wrapping papers are coated with plastics which prevent them from being recycled. Use the ‘scrunch test’ to find out if you can recycle the wrapping paper you’ve received – if it’s glitter-free, scrunches into a ball and doesn’t spring back, you can recycle it
Make sure to remove any ribbons, embellishments, foil and sticky tape before putting it in the recycling bin.
When choosing wrapping paper, consider picking one that can be definitely recycled. Also, remember that the cardboard tube in the middle can be recycled too!
Christmas Crackers- It’s complicated.
154 million plus Christmas crackers are pulled every year in the UK. So, can they be recycled? The answer is complicated as some bits of them can and some bits can’t. It is best to opt for eco-friendly or homemade ones instead- this way you can personalise little gifts for each person.
Christmas Cards- YES most of the time.
Christmas cards and envelopes can be recycled at home unless they contain any glitter, foil, embellishments or musical box. Be sure to remove all of these before putting cards in the recycling bin.
Real Christmas Trees- YES
Real trees can be composted at home (find out more here) or recycled at household waste recycling centres. Some charities may also recycle trees for a small donation.
Fake Christmas Trees- NO
These can’t be recycled but they can be reused. If they are in good condition, a charity may accept artificial trees.
Christmas tree decorations – YES and NO
Fairy lights can be recycled at household waste recycling centres in the small electrical bin (some Councils may collect these at the kerbside, check on their website first.) baubles (glass or plastics) and tinsel cannot be recycled but can be reused. If they are still in good condition, they can be donated to charity.
Christmas Jumpers- YES but reuse first!
Christmas jumpers are the ultimate festive attire, and they can be recycled in the clothing bins at Household waste recycling centres. If they are still in good condition, reuse them, give them to someone else, have a jumper swap, sell them, or donate them to charity instead of binning them.
Find out more about recycling.
If you are unsure about what you can recycle at home or want to know where to recycle a particular item, check out Recycle Now for more information.