With the festive period right around the corner, families are getting ready for turkey roasts, presents and decorations, but many Brits can struggle to cope with the volume of packaging that comes with the festive period.
From cards and wrapping paper, to crackers and packaging, confusion around the rules is causing many recyclable materials to end up in landfills or incinerators.
To help people improve their recycling practices over the festive period, DS Smith has shared some top tips:
Top tips to improve your recycling this festive period
- Wrapping paper – Not all wrapping paper is recyclable, some contain glitter, or have plastic coatings or attached materials which can contaminate the recycling process.
If you’re not sure if your wrapping paper is recyclable, a quick ‘scrunch test’ will tell you: crumple the paper, and if it stays scrunched up, it can be recycled. If it doesn’t stay crumpled it probably has a layer of plastic film so can’t be recycled.
- Christmas cards – Much like wrapping paper, not all cards can be recycled. While plain card material is recyclable, cards with glitter, plastic badges, or electronics are not. If you can remove these elements, the rest of the card can be recycled.
- Wrapping tape – Despite common beliefs, not all tape needs to be removed from cardboard before recycling. But the less the better.
Try switching to paper-based or recyclable tape. It sticks just as well but breaks down far more easily, cutting down your effort and helping to support recycling.
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Christmas crackers – Christmas crackers are often recyclable if they’re made from cardboard but check for glitter or plastic linings. Use the tear test: if it rips easily, it’s probably free of plastic, if not, it can’t be recycled and may have a thicker plastic coating.
Try to choose crackers which don’t have glitter or plastic coatings, there are lots of plastic free options available now. If you’re particularly crafty, you could make your own toys and prizes for family and friends to win.
- Gift boxes/bags – Houses are often flooded with boxes from gift giving so reuse leftover gift boxes and bags for future gifting. If you don’t have the storage space, you can break them down to save space in your bins and make recycling easier.
Keep a special box to store reusable gift bags and boxes. You’ll save money and be ready for birthdays and holidays throughout the year.
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Food and drink packaging – Food and drink packaging can pile up during the festive period, but not all of it can be recycled as it is.
Always take off plastic films from food or drink cardboard packaging before recycling and rinse containers which have had food and drink on before putting them in the recycling bin.
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Advent calendars – Many advent calendars contain a mix of cardboard, plastic, and foil which makes them challenging to recycle. Calendars made entirely of cardboard can usually be recycled, but any plastic windows or glitter should be removed first.
Go for reusable advent calendars that you can refill each year with treats or small gifts. Not only does it cut down on waste, but it also adds a personal touch to your holiday tradition.
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Recycling Rules – Whether you’re home or away during the festive period, make sure to check your local recycling rules and bin collection schedules as they can differ across different regions in the UK.
Check the local council’s website for recycling guidelines and revised bin collection dates over Christmas. Don’t forget to lo-cate the nearest drop-off points as a back-up or if you need more space in your bin for recycling.
Public Sector Recycling Solutions | DS Smith - DS Smith
