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Christmas Recycling Checklist

Posted on : 06 Dec 2022

Christmas Recycling Checklist
We generate more waste at Christmas than any other time of the year, so it’s more important than ever that we all try to recycle where we can.

From our increased food waste, to wrapping paper and cardboard boxes, there is plenty of waste that can be recycled at Christmastime. Here are some of our helpful hints and tips to help with your recycling this festive season.
 
  1. A staggering seven million tonnes of food ends up in the bin each Christmas in the UK, and while we should all be doing our best to minimise it, food waste is inevitable and should therefore be recycled.Don’t forget, if you are expecting more food waste than normal you can request an additional food waste caddy for free here.
  2. We use more cardboard boxes over Christmas than any other time of year. Remember to break down all cardboard boxes, before placing them in the recycling bin for collection.
  3. Whilst shiny, glittery wrapping paper can look lovely, it can be very difficult to recycle. As a rule, the scrunch test is recommended. Scrunch your wrapping paper in your hand, when you open your hand does the paper stay scrunched, or does it open back up into its original shape? If it stays scrunched it can likely be recycled.
  4. Whilst most cards and envelops can be recycled, any embellishments such as ribbons or glitter cannot be recycled so should be removed first by simply tearing off that section.
  5. Don’t forget, batteries should never be binned as they can become a fire hazard. Instead take your old batteries to be recycled.
    Recycling your old batteries has never been easier, with most major supermarkets having a battery recycling point. Find out more here.
    Batteries can also be recycled at your local Household Waste and Recycling Centre.
  6. Your ‘real’ Christmas tree can be disposed of at your local Household Waste and Recycling Centre or can be cut up into manageable pieces and placed out on the kerbside for collection with any other garden waste recycling.
  7. If you have more recycling than your recycling bin can hold any overflow can be left in clear plastic bags for collection.
  8. Don’t forget, there may be changes to your bin collection times as our crews take the day off to celebrate with their loved ones.
Want to save this list for later? Download our helpful recycling checklist 


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