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A line up of recyclable characters with smiling faces peeping out from behind a box: a perfume bottle, deodorant can, toilet roll tube, spray bottle and yoghurt pot. A headline above them reads: Rescue Me! Recycle

Gift and toy packaging

Recycle at home

Toy and gift packaging often consists of different materials such as cardboard, paper and plastic. Some of these are recyclable, while others are not. These will need to be separated before recycling.

Recycle out of home

Yes, gift and toy packaging can be recycled at some out of home recycling points - find out more below.

How to recycle gift and toy packaging

Toy and gift packaging often consists of different materials such as cardboard, paper and plastic. Some of these are recyclable, while others are not. These will need to be separated before recycling.

  1. 1

    Flatten cardboard for ease of transport to recycling facilities or to fit more into your household recycling bin.

  2. 2

    Plastic blisters marked PET or PETE can be recycled by most local authorities but please check with your local authority in the first instance.

  3. 3

    Remove plastic windows from cardboard boxes before recycling - the plastic window should be put in the waste bin.

  4. 4

    Remove the rope or ribbon handles from gift bags - these can be re-used or should be placed in the waste bin.

  5. 5

    Wire ties are not generally recyclable but could be re-used around the home, for example for tying up plants in the garden or resealing half-used packets of frozen vegetables.

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