What to do with
Christmas decorations & packaging
Most of us recycle lots during and after Christmas but are we getting it right?
Visit the pages listed below to find out more about what can and can't be recycled over the festive season.
Christmas trees
'Real' Christmas trees can be recycled and turned into chippings for parks. Some local authorities have special collections or organise drop-off points. Otherwise they can be taken to your household waste recycling centre.
More about recycling Christmas treesChristmas cards
Most cards are paper based and can be recycled, along with their envelopes, either in your home recycling collection, at local recycling points such as household waste recycling centres or at banks in supermarket car parks etc.
More about recycling Christmas cardsChristmas decorations
Baubles
Glass baubles are not recyclable. Broken glass baubles should be disposed of by wrapping and putting in with general waste.
Plastic baubles are usually made from types of plastic not widely collected yet in the UK and are likely to be covered with glitter which would impact on the recycling process so should also go in the general waste.
Tinsel
Tinsel cannot be recycled. If your tinsel has finally lost its sparkle and needs to be thrown away please dispose of it in your rubbish bin.
Wreaths
Natural materials on wreaths, such as ivy, fir cones, mistletoe and holly, can be composted as long as they are not covered with excessive glitter. Simply remove the greenery from the base and add to your garden/green waste collection, or drop at your local household waste recycling centre. Artificial decorations such as ribbons and plastic flowers will need to be removed as these cannot be recycled.
Christmas tree lights
Fairy lights can be recycled at household waste recycling centres. Some local authorities collect small electricals as part of their recycling collections and may also provide collection bins at other sites too, e.g. at supermarkets.
More about recycling Christmas tree lightsWrapping paper
Due to the make-up of wrapping paper and the amount of sticky tape and embellishments that cause problems at recycling plants, some local authorities do not accept wrapping paper for recycling - see below for more.
More about recycling wrapping paperCardboard
If you've ordered goods online this Christmas, it's likely your items were delivered in boxes or envelopes made from corrugated cardboard which is widely recycled by local authorities.
More about recycling cardboardBatteries
All those new toys and gadgets mean more batteries to recycle. Some local authorities collect batteries bagged separately with household recycling but there are also many battery recycling points in shops around town.
More about recycling batteries