Can I recycle it?
Here are 5 things people find confusing to recycle during Christmas.
Select an item to reveal what can, and can't, be recycled.
Try the scrunch test. If it stays scrunched up, you can recycle it. Otherwise it goes in the general waste. Remove sticky tape!
Wrapping paper
Most cards are recyclable, but glitter and decorations aren't. Check the back of the card for more info.
Christmas cards
You can recycle most cardboard packaging. Remove any plastic and polystyrene first.
Toy packaging
You can recycle these and turn them into wood chips. Some councils will collect trees. If not, take them to your local recycling centre.
Real Christmas tree
You usually can't recycle these. Try donating them to charity or giving to a friend or relative.
Plastic Christmas tree
Why are people confused?
"I'm confused about why councils have different rules"
"I am confused by the waste collection timetable over the Christmas period"
"I am confused about which recycling bin different items go into"
"I think recycling rules should be simplified"
Have yourself an eco-friendly Christmas
As a nation, we're becoming more aware of our impact on the environment. And this doesn't stop at Christmas time. In fact, 87% of Brits have taken steps to reduce their impact on the environment over the festive period. More than one in five (21%) are pledging to take steps to become more eco-friendly in the new year.
But how can you celebrate Christmas and be good to the planet? Here are some tips to get you started:
Tip one
Tip two
Tip three
Recycling: A clearer future
Recycling can be confusing, but the future looks clearer. Under 2022 plans, plastic packaging could face a new tax. And in the future, standardised weekly food waste and rubbish collections could be introduced.