How To Recycle Your Christmas Waste
With New Year approaching and Christmas fading into the background like a distant memory. Here are some ways you can recycle your left over cards, wrapping paper and old presents from last year.
Christmas Cards
From 2nd-31st January 2009 your Christmas cards can be recycled at various high street stores as part of the Woodland Trust scheme. Look out for collection points at Whsmiths, Marks and Spencer, Txmaxx or Tesco. For those feeling more creative you can make next Christmas’ gift tags from them. Nursery, playgroups and reception classes may also take cards and wrapping paper off your hands for reuse in arts and craft activities.
Wrapping Paper
Most of the wrapping paper we use today is layered with foil and plastics making it difficult to recycle, only the non-shiny type of wrapping paper can be shredded and composted. However check with your local authority as some councils will accept it as part of their kerbside recycling schemes. Gift bags and boxes are a great alternative to wrapping paper though as they can be reused year after year.
Christmas Trees
The best thing you can do with your Christmas tree is plant it in your garden. If you don’t have a garden make sure it goes into the green waste at your local recycling centre.
Upgrades and Unwanted Presents
Don’t discard old belongings to the rubbish bin just because you have received more up to date versions this Christmas. Remember one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Donate unwanted items to charity shops, sell them online or advertise them on local exchange websites. See our Second Hand Goods category for more information. Old electrical items like toasters and kettles can be recycled at many recycling centres now. Visit the Recycle Now website to see if your local recycling centre accepts electricals.
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