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You may not be able to recycle all your wrapping paper (Image: Getty)
Following the Christmas holidays, refuse collectors are diligently working to clear the accumulated waste - from wrapping paper to cardboard and food leftovers. However, it appears that many of us may be unintentionally complicating their jobs.
A bin man has now issued a warning ahead of the festive season, urging us to do our part for the environment and ensure smoother operations. While recycling wrapping paper, Christmas cards, and gift bags may seem environmentally friendly, it's not always possible.
By placing these items in the recycling, we're actually making the sorting process more difficult for workers. Bin man Danny, using St Helens Borough Council's TikTok account, issued a cautionary message: "Wait. Do you know what goes in what bin over the festive period? Wrapping paper, gift bags and Christmas cards CANNOT go in your green or blue recycling bags here in St Helens borough. Most contain foil, plastic, glitter and glue - so please pop them into your brown general waste bin!".
Danny, in the comments section, reminded readers that every council's guidance may vary, so it is essential to check with your local authority before disposal. Explaining the non-recyclability of certain items, he noted: "It's the glitter and foil on them. If it's just plain old brown paper then that's fine. Each council is different though - it's just how it works here in St Helens so best to check with your council."
Recycle Now states that paper-based greeting cards and envelopes can generally be recycled at home or at dedicated recycling points.
However, parts of greeting cards that cannot be recycled include those with decorations such as glitter. When it comes to wrapping paper, it should only be recycled if it passes the 'scrunch test' which Recycle Now describes as a simple method: "if it scrunches, it can be recycled".
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But any sticky tape or additional decorations like ribbons or bows must be removed, and foil or glitter-decorated paper cannot be recycled. Non-metallic gift bags are often recyclable too unless they contain glitter or glue, which should be separated.
Forge Recycling highlights that most local councils provide collection for Christmas cards, gift bags, and wrapping through mixed recycling bins, but to ensure accurate disposal, residents should verify their council’s guidelines using the Recyle Now Checker.
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