While nobody wants to be a Scrooge, think about all the extra waste generated by Christmas cards, gift wrap, excess food and Christmas trees. If you're keen to carry on with your environmental efforts over the festive period, take heed of our recycling dos and don'ts to avoid creating extra waste for landfill sites.
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Over yuletide, our waste levels increase by between 25% and 30%, according to research. The majority of the extra waste is created by cards, wrapping paper, Christmas trees, decorations, packaging and food waste. Green groups are urging householders to seek changes to help protect our planet.
Christmas trees
Surveys revealed 82% of Christmas trees tended to be artificial. While some lasted a few years, they are all thrown away at some point. The most sustainable solution is to buy a real tree with roots that can be replanted in January. Alternatively, a small potted real Christmas tree can last for years. If you have bought a real Christmas tree without roots, most local authorities run a recycling scheme in the new year.
Food
Christmas dinner is the most anticipated meal of the year, but sadly, people tend to buy far too much food and usually waste around 50% of their meal. Try to avoid buying excess food that there's no chance you can eat. Freeze leftovers from Christmas dinner, or donate untouched food to your local foodbank charity.
Christmas cards
In the UK, Royal Mail estimates that it delivers some 150 million cards during the festive period – on average, we receive/send around 17 cards each. Other sources claim that 1 billion Christmas cards are sold in the UK each year. That’s a lot of trees that need to be cut down, folks!
Greetings cards have been a part of Christmas for coming up for two centuries, with the first commercially produced Christmas card being sent by printer John Calcott Horsley to inventor and civil servant Sir Henry Cole in 1843.
Always recycle them: never send your cards to landfill in the general waste. You could always save them and cut out the festive scenes to use as your gift tags next year!
Gift wrap
It is estimated enough ribbon is used on Christmas gifts to wrap around the whole planet. We also throw away enough wrapping paper to stretch to the moon, with the average household going through approximately 4 rolls! All of it must be disposed of in the new year.
Unfortunately, wrapping paper with foil, glitter and other microplastics can't be recycled. Some environmentally aware retailers are starting to sell eco-friendly gift wrap. In addition, you can buy it from ethical websites, or even use pretty fabrics that can be reused many times.
Electronics
Perhaps surprisingly, electronics are widely recycled at Christmas, as people get upgrades as a present. A lot of online businesses offer electronics recycling services. If your device isn't suitable for this, never simply dump it in a bin. Even broken gadgets can be sold as "spares or repairs" on online auction sites. Check your local authority's website for details of the best way to safely dispose of electronics in your area.
Batteries
UK households use more than 326 million batteries over Christmas and new year. They are used to power children's toys, Christmas tree lights, various gadgets and more. Worryingly, a lot end up at landfills, despite the fact lithium-ion batteries can be recycled at many Household Waste Recycling Centres across the UK. Never throw spent batteries away. Check with your local council where they can be recycled. Alternatively, some supermarkets have battery recycling bins in the foyer where you can drop them off.
Recycling process
According to the Gov UK website, post-Christmas recycling in the UK has improved significantly over the years. We are now recycling more waste than we send to landfill, and it has become a way of life for many householders.
In particular, people having Christmas parties that create extra waste, such as cans and drinks bottles, are recycling rather than putting everything in the general waste bin. This type of waste is easily recycled today through the council's kerbside collection schemes.
Real Christmas trees left out for recycling by local councils are usually shredded into chippings and can be used for composting in local woodland areas or parks.
As a responsible supplier, Solent Plastics actively supports recycling initiatives. If you need extra reusable storage containers for Christmas, our range includes Euronorm ECO recycled plastic Euro containers made from recycled polypropylene. In addition, we also supply recycling waste bins to help get your waste organised.