The holiday season is a time for joy, generosity, and celebration, but it’s also a time when waste can pile up faster than Santa’s sleigh. With all the wrapping paper, decorations, and festive treats, it’s easy to overlook the impact on our environment. This Christmas, let’s unwrap some sustainable habits and discover how easy it is to do some Christmas recycling with the help of Tom White, including the following festive items:
Many people are not aware that a lot of Christmas items can actually be recycled. Here’s a rundown of festive bits you might not realise can be recycled…
Don’t let your real tree end up in landfill. Here’s how to give it a second life, and get that Christmas tree recycled.
Use the “scrunch test” to check if your wrapping paper is recyclable, if it stays scrunched, it’s good to go. Avoid trying to recycle glittery or foil-lined papers, stick to plain or kraft paper for a greener choice.
From shipping boxes to greeting cards, these can easily be recycled if free of glitter or embellishments, when it comes to Christmas recycling it's all about reusing what you can and recycling the rest, which Christmas cards lend themselves best to.
4. Glass bottles and wine corks
Empty bottles are endlessly recyclable, and wine corks can be repurposed into cute crafts like reindeer ornaments or something celebratory ahead of the New Year.
Shiny snowflake decorations or leftover foil from your Christmas feast are 100% recyclable. Ensure they’re clean before doing your Christmas recycling.
Broken Christmas lights and old batteries should go to designated drop-off points. Many retailers, like Currys, accept these items for Christmas recycling.
While Christmas recycling is fantastic, some items can’t go in your bin, including:
Glitter cannot be recycled. To ensure your Christmas items are recyclable, why not opt for glitter-free decorations next year
Remove all tape from wrapping paper and boxes before recycling
These can be saved and reused, but don’t recycle
It’s essential you wash food containers and foil trays before recycling to prevent contamination
This isn’t recyclable and should go in general waste
Recycling at Christmas isn’t just about reducing waste. Every small step, from reusing gift wrap to recycling advent calendars, helps create a greener future.
At Tom White, we’re here to make festive recycling simple and efficient. Whether it’s clearing out after a big family gathering or managing extra waste, we’re committed to helping you recycle responsibly. From Christmas tree recycling to cardboard boxes and cards, we’ve got you covered.
1. Can I recycle Christmas cards and where?
Yes, as long as they’re glitter-free. Most local recycling programs accept Christmas cards in paper recycling bins. Check for collection points in supermarkets or community centres. After Christmas, various charities and shops will collect old Christmas cards. Try outlets such as WHSmith, T K Maxx, Tesco and the Post Office.
2. Can I recycle Christmas trees?
Real trees can be composted or collected by local councils for chipping. Check your local collection dates in January or drop them off at a recycling centre near you.
3. Are artificial Christmas trees recyclable?
Not in regular recycling. Donate if in good condition, or dispose of them as general waste.
4. Are Christmas crackers recyclable?
Only if they’re glitter-free and plastic-free. Be sure to remove ribbons and toys before recycling.
Tom White Waste Ltd trading as Tom White. Registered in England. Company No. 01201361. Registered office Unit 13a Stonebrook Way, Longford, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6LN
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