The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also lead to a lot of waste. From wrapping paper to Christmas trees, it’s important to know what you can recycle and how to dispose of holiday items responsibly.
Here’s your complete guide to sustainable holiday practices.
Contents
Can you recycle cards?
Most Christmas and other greeting cards are paper based and can be easily recycled in your kerbside recycling bin or through paper recycling programs.
They can’t be recycled if they contain glitter, glue or other embellishments.
Can you recycle gift wrapping?
Gift wrapping may be recyclable, however will depend on what material the gift wrapping is made from.
What gift wrapping can be recycled?
Plain paper wrapping, kraft paper, newspaper, and gift bags made of paper are recyclable, as long as they don’t contain any plastic or embellishments. Small quantities of sticky tape may be acceptable. Check with your local council.
What gift wrapping can't be recycled?
Gift wrap made of foil, plastic and cellophane can't be recycled. If your wrapping paper has a little extra bling, like glitter or foil, it also can't be recycled.
We recommend saving and reusing this kind of gift wrapping, if possible!
Can I recycle glossy wrapping paper?
Some wrapping paper have a thin layer of plastic to make it sturdier. If you see a gloss or shine to it but aren’t sure, you can do a ‘rip test’. If the paper tears easily, it's good to recycle.
If it stretches and doesn't tear, it probably contains plastic, and it goes in the general waste bin.
We recommend saving and reusing sturdy gift wrapping, if possible!
Can you recycle Christmas decorations?
Christmas decorations are made from all sorts of materials and generally can’t be recycled.
This includes most ornaments, wreaths and tree toppers. It is highly encouraged that you reuse your Christmas decorations as much as possible and at the end of their life, dispose safely in your general waste bins.
If you have Christmas decorations that are still in good condition, you can also donate them.
Can you recycle tinsel?
Tinsel is an especially problematic item and you should never try to recycle them as they can get caught and cause significant issues at recycling facilities.
It is highly encouraged that you reuse tinsels as much as possible and at the end of their life, safely dispose in your general waste bin.
Can you recycle Christmas lights?
Christmas lights such as fairy lights can’t go in our kerbside bins. They can be recycled as e-waste if they no longer function.
Go to Recycle Mate to find out where you can recycle them. If they are fully functional and are in good condition but you no longer have need for them, consider donating them.
Can you recycle your Christmas tree?
Real Christmas trees can be composted or mulched. However, many of them are too big for kerbside bins.
Contact your local council or waste-transfer station to see if they accept them.
Go to Recycle Mate to find a responsible Christmas tree disposal location near you.
Fake or artificial trees can’t be recycled and be disposed in your general waste bins at the end of their life, so keep reusing them as much as you can.
If you really must get rid of them, donate ones that are still in good condition and dispose of the ones that aren’t.
Minimising food waste during the holidays
While some argue that food is the best part about the holidays, food waste siting in landfill releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Consider cooking appropriate portions, storing leftovers properly and eating them, and composting food scraps.
Learn how you can start composting food waste in our blog about compost bins, worm farms and bokashi bins.
What do I do with plates and cups?
Most disposable tableware isn’t recyclable. Some may be home compostable depending on if they have the certified home compostable label on them, however, many disposable tableware does not have this certification and must be sent to landfill, even the biodegradable ones.
Paper cups however, can be recycled with Simply Cups, you can accumulate them after a party or gathering and find a drop off location near you.
Where possible, we still encourage the use of reusable options.
Other holiday items
Champagne and wine corks
Glass bottle corks can’t be recycled in your kerbside recycling, but you may be able to find drop off points near you via Recycle Mate.
Glass (broken)
Broken glass, such as shattered ornaments or glassware, should be carefully disposed of in general waste and can’t be recycled. Make sure to wrap it up safely to prevent injury.
Glass (unbroken)
Only put unbroken bottle and jars that had contained food in your kerbside recycling bin. Any other kinds of glass like glassware, vases, cooking dishes may not be made of a recyclable glass material and can contaminate a recycling bin.
Wrapping ribbons
Wrapping ribbons are typically made of polyester or synthetic materials and can’t be recycled, but they can be easily recycled. You can however keep them and reuse them for future gift wrapping.
Christmas crackers
Most Christmas crackers tend to contain foil, glitter or plastics which makes them not recyclable. You can consciously choose options that avoid those embellishments so that they can be recyclable.
A sustainable holiday
By making mindful choices, you can reduce waste and enjoy a more sustainable holiday season. Recycle where possible, choose more sustainable options, donate items, and think creatively about reusing materials to keep your celebrations eco-friendly.