Many of us assume that because Christmas wrapping paper is “paper”, it’s just as recyclable – but the reality is a little more complex.
Not all wrapping paper is good for recycling (and leaving sticky tape attached to it makes it un-recyclable), and not every council accepts wrapping paper in kerbside collections.
Rachel Waktyn, OBE, founder of sustainable packaging maker Tiny Box Company tells Yahoo News: “Recycling wrapping paper is an easy way to keep the holiday spirit bright and eco-friendly. The good news is that lots of wrapping paper can go straight into the recycling bin, especially simple, non-laminated paper.”
So, what is the best guidance?
How can you tell if wrapping paper can be recycled?
Any wrapping paper that is just plain paper should be recyclable – though check on your local council website.
The problem can come if the paper is plastic-coated, metallic or shiny, Watkins says.
Watkyn says that it’s fairly easy to tell if wrapping paper is recyclable. “Try the festive scrunch test: scrunch the paper into a ball, and if it stays crumpled, it’s ready to be recycled,” she says.
“Remember anything shiny, metallic, glittery or plastic-coated can’t be recycled and needs to go into general waste. Don’t forget to peel off any tape, bows or ribbons first.”
Do all councils accept wrapping paper?
Under current rules, not every council in Britain accepts wrapping paper, even plain wrapping paper.
Some recyclers are not keen on the material as it is thin and contains additives. Warwick District Council, for instance, says households should put wrapping paper in general waste.
The council writes: “Wrapping paper is often dyed, laminated and/or contains non-paper additives such as gold and silver coloured shapes, glitter, plastics, which cannot be recycled.
Not all Christmas wrapping paper can be recycled (Getty)
“Some wrapping paper is very thin and contains few good quality fibres for recycling. A lot of wrapping paper has sticky tape attached to it which makes it very difficult to recycle.”
The best way to check is to look up your local council’s recycling page where they will list what materials they recycle and whether they accept wrapping paper.
What about cardboard packaging?
Cardboard can be recycled in most areas, but it’s crucial that it is kept dry.
If cardboard is put outside in the rain, it cannot usually be recycled, says Josh Pitman, managing director of packaging firm Priory Direct.
Read more: Where does your recycling actually go?
Pitman says: “Wet cardboard generally cannot be recycled so it’s vital that households keep the 300,000 tonnes of cardboard waste we generate every year over the festive period dry.
“Moisture significantly weakens cardboard fibres making it harder to mesh together after pulping to create new cardboard.
“Wet cardboard also clogs machinery and increases the weight of recycling loads, which makes the process more costly. This in turn reduces the value for paper and cardboard recycling centres.”