Five Tips for Smart Christmas Recycling

Most of us try to do the right thing by recycling where we can. But many things can end up in the wrong bin, especially at Christmas when our waste increases by around 30%. If a recycling bin is contaminated with enough items that can’t be recycled – the whole thing may not be collected. To make sure your rubbish ends up in the right place this Christmas, here’s our handy Christmas Recycling guide:

1. We will collect your real Christmas trees for recycling

If you bought a real tree this Christmas, please be sure to recycle it in our separate Christmas tree collection during the fortnight commencing 18 January 2021. You can also check your collection dates and updates at canterbury.gov.uk/recycling.

2. Some wrapping paper can be recycled

We would love to recycle your wrapping paper in your red bin or paper insert, but just make sure it doesn’t contain metallic or laminated coatings, decorations, glitter or sticky tape.

3. Turn your food waste into compost using your grey caddy

You can recycle your leftover festive food and peelings by putting them in your grey food caddy. Once collected, they will be turned into nutrient rich compost or gas and agricultural fertiliser. You can also get creative with your leftovers using delicious recipes from lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipes

4. Recycle your Christmas cards and boxes

After Christmas, you can recycle cards in your red bin or insert – just make sure there’s no glitter, ribbons, sticky tape or foil. If you’ve ordered gifts online, remember to also recycle your cardboard boxes. These can be torn and flattened before being put in your red bin or insert to save space.

5. Please DO NOT put these in your household recycling bins

• Tinsel, baubles and artificial decorations
• Fairy lights (please recycle these at your local household waste recycling centre)
• Batteries (please recycle at your local supermarket or household recycling centre)
• Plastic and wooden toys (please donate or rehome instead)
• Paper plates, napkins and disposable cutlery

You can also find out more about recycling, download your bin calendar and full Christmas collection dates by going to canterbury.gov.uk/recycling.

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