Although Christmas is the season of giving and goodwill, it’s also the time when we generate the most waste, leaving you with a mountain of rubbish to tackle in the New Year.
To ensure you’re disposing of your Christmas waste in the most responsible and environmentally friendly way possible, the team here at Woodford Recycling has written this handy guide.
How to dispose of an artificial Christmas tree
An artificial tree is made up of several materials, including PVC plastic, which means it’s challenging to recycle.
While you may be able to dispose of this at your local recycling centre, you’ll need to check as not all facilities accept this item. If your artificial tree is looking worn, the best way to dispose of it is with the help of a waste management specialist like Woodford Recycling. We supply a range of skip sizes to tackle all your Christmas waste in one go and, thanks to our modern materials recycling facility, we strive to divert as much waste from landfill as possible.
Alternatively, if your artificial tree is still in good condition, why not bring some Christmas cheer by donating it to a local charity or community centre?
How to dispose of a real Christmas tree
If your house has a fireplace, why not chop it up and use it for firewood? Although the wood may need a few weeks to fully dry out, this will ensure your tree doesn’t go to waste. Many local councils also have designated drop-off points for real Christmas trees in January, where you can leave your tree to be recycled into wood chips – just remember to remove your decorations first!
If you’re planning on clearing out your garden and disposing of other green waste, it might be more beneficial to hire a skip and save yourself multiple trips to your local recycling centre.
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How to dispose of Christmas decorations
Unfortunately, most Christmas decorations can’t be recycled as they are typically coated with glitter and other non-recyclable substances. This means you’ll typically need to dispose of your old tinsel and baubles in your general waste bin, unless you can think of a creative way to repurpose them – perhaps by making a mosaic or a festive centrepiece for your table.
The natural materials on your Christmas wreath, such as fir leaves, holly and pine cones, can be composted – just be sure to remove any glitter or embellishments first. The base and any non-recyclable decorations will usually need to be disposed of in the general waste bin.
How to dispose of Christmas lights
Your Christmas lights are classed as e-waste, so if yours no longer work then don’t just throw them in the bin. Instead, you should take them to your local recycling centre or contact a waste disposal company that handles hazardous waste to ensure proper disposal.
How to dispose of wrapping paper
Although you might assume this can go straight into your recycling bin, many local authorities won’t accept wrapping paper over Christmas as the amount of embellishments and Sellotape can complicate the recycling process.
To avoid waste, if you have a small pet such as a hamster or rabbit, a great way to repurpose your wrapping paper is by shredding it into bedding. Better yet, if you manage to unwrap your presents carefully, you can save yourself some money by repurposing the gift wrap for another year!
The post-Christmas period is the perfect time to have a clear-out and get rid of all the clutter you no longer need. For those based in Cambridge, Huntingdon, Peterborough and beyond, the team here at Woodford Recycling supplies a range of skips to help manage your waste. We are committed to a zero-to-landfill policy, even over the busy Christmas period – simply contact us to find out more.
