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Recycling Christmas Cards, Gift Wrap And Christmas Trees This January

January 3rd, 2012

With the Christmas festivities and new year parties over for another year and twelth night approaching fast many post Christmas cards and decorations will be looking a little tired by now.Here are some ways you can recycle your left over cards, wrapping paper and old presents from 2009.

Christmas Cards

Most kerbside collection schemes will now recycle your cards for you-check with your local council for details. For those feeling more creative you can make next Christmas’ gift tags from them. Nursery, playgroups and reception classes may also take cards and wrapping paper off your hands for reuse in arts and craft activities.

Wrapping Paper

Most of the wrapping paper we use today is layered with foil and plastics making it difficult to recycle, only the non-shiny type of wrapping paper can be shredded and composted. However check with your local authority as some councils will accept it as part of their kerbside recycling schemes. Gift bags and boxes are a great alternative to wrapping paper though as they can be reused year after year. Check out this article ‘Eco Friendly Ways To Wrap Your Presents’ for eco alternatives to wrapping paper and encourage your friends and family to wrap presents sustainably for 2012.

Christmas Trees

The best thing you can do with your Christmas tree is plant it in your garden, if you don’t have a garden make sure it goes into the green waste at your local recycling centre.

Upgrades and Unwanted Presents

Don’t discard old belongings to the rubbish bin just because you have received more up to date versions this Christmas. Remember one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Donate unwanted items to charity shops, sell them online or advertise them on local exchange websites. See our Second Hand Goods category for more information. Old electrical items like toasters and kettles can be recycled at many recycling centres now. Visit the Recycle Now website to see if your local recycling centre accepts electricals.