Recycling Holiday Packaging
Recycling holiday packaging is a great way to reduce waste and protect the environment during the festive season.
Here are some tips on how to recycle different types of packaging materials:
Recycling Wrapping Paper
- Wrapping paper can be recycled if it is not coated with plastic, foil, glitter or other non-paper materials. To test if your wrapping paper is recyclable, try scrunching it into a ball. If it stays scrunched, it can go in the recycling bin. If it springs back, it is not recyclable and should go in the trash. Remember to remove any tape, ribbons, bows or tags before recycling your wrapping paper. You can also reuse wrapping paper for other purposes, such as lining drawers, making origami or wrapping other gifts12
Recycling Cardboard Boxes
- Cardboard boxes are recyclable, but you need to remove any tape, plastic or polystyrene inserts. Some boxes also have a glossy or waxed plastic film over them, which makes them non-recyclable. Flatten and squash boxes to make more room in your recycling bin, bag or box.
Recycling Plastic Bottles
- Plastic bottles are recyclable, but you need to empty and rinse them first. Remove the caps and labels, as they are made of different types of plastic and may contaminate the recycling process. You can also reuse plastic bottles for various DIY projects, such as making bird feeders, plant pots or watering cans25
Recycling Christmas Lights
- Christmas lights are not recyclable in your curbside bin, as they can get tangled in the machinery and cause damage or injury. However, you can recycle them at some specialized drop-off locations or mail-in programs. You can also donate them to charities or thrift stores, or repair them if they are broken5
Recycling Bubble Wrap, Cellophane, and Plastic Bags
- These items are not recyclable in your curbside bin, as they can clog the sorting equipment and create problems. However, you can recycle them at some grocery stores or other collection points that accept plastic film. You can also reuse them for packing, storing or insulating items5
By following these tips, you can recycle your Christmas packaging and help the planet.
Happy Holidays!
1: 6 ways to recycle your Christmas 2: Cut down on holiday waste with these recycling tips 3: Christmas recycling: From Styrofoam to trees to batteries, here’s where to toss them 6: 17 Ideas How To Recycle Christmas Packaging – Captain Bobcat 5: Four tips for better recycling at Christmas – BBC News
