Christmas recycling has stumped even the best of us from time to time. Trying to keep up with what is and isn’t allowed is bound to get confusing, especially alongside all the usual festive chaos.
To make it easier for you this winter, Cherry Hill Waste have created this brief guide to festive waste disposal – keep reading for the answers to all your Christmas recycling questions. If you’re still unsure, get in touch with your local council for area-specific information.
Cards and envelopes
Most cards and envelopes are at least partially recyclable. A general rule of thumb: if it has glitter, decorations (e.g. bows) or a metallic finish on it, it is not recyclable. If the non-recyclable bit of a card is easy to remove, tear that bit off, put it in general waste, and then recycle the rest of the card.
Wrapping paper
Some councils and recycling centres cannot accept wrapping paper – the recycling rules can really vary depending on location, so check your local rules.
Wrapping paper isn’t recyclable if it has decorations, glitter, tape, or a metallic or foil finish . If you’re unsure whether yours is recyclable, do the scrunch test: if the wrapping paper stays in a ball when scrunched, it can probably be recycled. If it doesn’t, it’s not recyclable.
For a more sustainable Christmas, use recycled and/or recyclable materials to wrap gifts – colourful fabric or charming brown paper would look great and save you a recycling conundrum!
Food packaging
A lot of food packaging is recyclable but, if in doubt, check for recycling symbols or labels.
Soft plastics like crisp packets and film lids aren’t widely recycled, but some shops do have recycling points – a little research online or in store should help you find out where to take your soft plastics.
If you’ve opted for a festive takeaway, remember that the clear plastic takeaway tubs are recyclable but only if they’re washed properly beforehand! Alternatively, you could keep them for storing Christmas leftovers.
Christmas lights
It is best to check with your council when it comes to electronics, as rules vary greatly between regions. Electrical items with plugs or batteries should not be sent to landfill – you’ll easily find a recycling solution if you ask around or contact your local authority.
Christmas trees
Artificial trees are made from a combination of materials so aren’t recyclable. However, one of the perks of artificial trees is that you can just reuse it, sell it or donate it to charity!
Real Christmas trees can be recycled in several ways, though again your options depend on your location. Recycled trees can be shredded into chippings for use in parks or woodland areas, so you’ll be helping the planet and your community by disposing of it properly. Here’s how to recycle a real tree:
- Chop it up and put it in your garden waste bin
- Take it to a recycling/composting point
- Drop-off points or kerbside collections
- Hire a waste disposal professional
We know the rules with recycling and domestic waste disposal can get confusing. Cherry Hill Waste is here to make it that bit easier for you all year round, not just at Christmas. For more information about our wood and green waste recycling and domestic waste disposal services, or to find out what else Cherry Hill Waste can do for you, visit our website or contact us today.
