There are three easy steps to take if you don’t want to be on the “naughty” list recyling

The increased awareness about global issues has led to 70% of Brits going green for Christmas. They will also increase their recycling efforts and buy gifts made of recycled material.

Two out of five people feel guilty about the amount of food waste that will be produced during our celebrations. However, almost a fifth of those surveyed said they would not bother even though they have a separate bin of food at home.

There are three easy steps to take if you don’t want to be on the “naughty” list.

Refuse This year, and we have all become experts at living in the digital age. This year, instead of sending out a mountainous amount of Christmas cards, arrange a virtual catch-up.

Reuse Many people already do it, but reusing bags and wrapping paper is an easy way to reduce waste. If you can resist tearing open presents!

Recycle : Whenever possible, recycle materials for anything that cannot be “refused,” “reused,” or “refused.” This can have a huge impact on the environment.

We’ve compiled a simple Christmas recycling guide to help you determine what can be recycled and what cannot.

What should we put in our bins at Christmas?

Christmas trees

“Real” trees can be recycled and turned into chips used for parks or woodland areas. They can’t go in recycling bins, but charities and local authorities can advertise special collections for January.

Artificial Christmas trees cannot be recycled because they are made of metals and plastics. Trees that are in good shape can be sold or donated. Otherwise, they will be household waste at the local recycling center or by private waste collection services, such as Skoup.

Turkeys, food waste and

Over Christmas, two million turkeys and seventy-four million mince pies go uneaten. Anaerobic digestion can be used for the powering of homes and businesses. Local authorities may offer separate food waste collections, while organic matter (excluding animal meat) can be blended at home into fertilizer. Food banks accept unopened products and long-life food, but you can also reduce food waste by planning your purchases rather than impulsively.

Foil Trays

Aluminum foil trays can be recycled because they are made of this material. If the tray has been contaminated by food and cannot be cleaned, it will no longer be recyclable. It wily spoil your clean recyclinandso the contents of any other bins collected with yours.

Wrapping paper

Over the holiday season, 277,000 miles will be wasted on wrapping paper. The “scrunch” test is a simple way to determine if wrapping papers can be recycled. If you scrunch the paper up, if it opens, it cannot be recycled. However, if it remains neatly rolled, then it can be placed in your recycling bin. Be sure to remove all gift tags, ribbons, and sticky tape before disposing of wrapping paper.

Fairy Lights

The Christmas lights contain many recyclable materials, such as metal and glass. They are powered by batteries or mains plugs, so they cannot be recycled at the curbside. Electrical waste (also known as WEEE) should be brought to a local household recycler or collected by private waste collection companies like Skoup. If the lights are still in their original packaging and work, they can either be donated or sold.

Ribbons

Bows and Ribbons cannot be recycled. They must be removed and disposed of with the general waste.

Christmas Cards

Paper cards, such as Christmas and other greetings card, can be recycled. Cards that contain glitter cannot be recycled and should be thrown away with the general waste. If you have any non-recyclable cards, cut them into smaller rectangles to use as gift tags next year.

Gift Bags

Paper gift bags that are plain can be recycled unless they contain plastic, foil-coated papers, fabric, or other materials for decoration. If they cannot be recycled, then they will have to go into the general waste.

Tinsel

Tinsel is not recyclable and should be disposed of as regular waste. Try paper or wool garlands as an eco-friendly alternative to tinsel.

Baubles

Glass household items, like baubles, are not recyclable. Glass baubles that are broken should be wrapped and placed in the general waste.

Plastic baubles, which are often made of rigid plastic and decorated with glitter but can’t be recycled in Britain, should go into the general waste.

Crackers

You can recycle crackers that do not contain glitter or foil. Remove all ribbons, toys, and jokes.

Paper napkins

If you mix contaminated napkins with other recyclables, they can cause problems. Paper napkins can be replaced with reusable napkins.

Wine Bottles

Bucks Fizz or some bubbly and/or a nice wine bottle are not only great gifts but also enjoyed by many at Christmas. The glass bottle can then be recycled at the curbside. Many restaurants have separate glass recycling bins to ensure a higher quality of recycling.