As Christmas fast approaches, Cedrec is taking some time to reflect on the amount of waste produced at this time of year. It is estimated that 300,000 tonnes of card alone is used in UK households over the festive period! And that is before we consider the amount of food, paper, batteries, broken decorations, bottles and trees that get disposed of every December.
However, there are some very simple ways to make sure that such waste is either reduced or reused. Recycling centres are also now accepting more types of waste than ever, so even if the waste isn't reduced or reused, ensure it is recycled.
Christmas trees
Many local authorities will now either accept natural Christmas trees at household waste recycling centres or will actually arrange a tree collection service. In many cases, the trees are shredded, and the chippings are used in public parks and other public areas. Just make sure all of the decorations are removed first!
Unfortunately, artificial trees cannot be recycled. So, if you are thinking of buying a new one and the old one is still in a good condition, think about selling it on, donating it to friends and family or asking local charity shops if they're interested in taking it.
Christmas decorations
What about those broken Christmas lights? Most of us have experienced that annoying moment when the lights are removed from storage and, for some reason, no longer work. Don't just stick them in the bin and send them to landfill! Most local authority household waste recycling centres have designated areas for electrical items such as this, and they will then make sure that the lights are disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way.
It is unfortunate that glass baubles are not recyclable, and most plastic baubles are not recyclable either. So, if the baubles are still in a good condition, keep using them until they're no longer usable. Alternatively, send them to a charity shop if they're in a good condition but you no longer want them. Doing this will avoid sending them to landfill.
Of course, if you are the creative type, you can always make your own decorations out of common recyclable materials instead of buying new ones, which helps to reduce and reuse waste. For example, paper and card can be used to make fun home-made paper chains. Use cardboard toilet roll tubes and scraps of wrapping paper to make your own Christmas crackers. You can even reuse corks to make wreaths.
Christmas cards
Christmas cards and other greetings cards are now widely recycled and, in a lot of cases, can simply be placed in your household recycling bins (but check with your local authority first). If the local authority doesn't recycle them, many supermarkets run card recycling schemes now.
Or, if you're feeling creative, keep the Christmas cards for next year and cut them up into different shapes to use as gift tags.
Wrapping paper
Lots of Christmas wrapping paper can now be recycled, as long as it is not metallic or has a plastic-coating on it. Wrapping paper with a holographic effect may look special, but it cannot be recycled either.
So, by simply buying the right wrapping paper, you are increasing your chances of it being recycled and therefore reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill. Just remember to remove all sellotape, sticky pads and tags from it first.
Alternatively, you can help to avoid creating the waste all together by using gift bags. Gift bags can be constantly reused until they become worn, and when that happens, paper gift bags can be recycled.
Recycle!
Just because it is Christmas, it doesn't stop us recycling as normal. Paper, card, glass, tins, food cartons, most plastics, cartons and aerosol cans are widely recycled now by local authorities, all for the cost of a walk to the bin.
Batteries
Batteries are everywhere at Christmas time. If you have remembered to buy them, also please remember they shouldn't be disposed of in general waste. Many shops and supermarkets have battery collection spaces in them, so simply take them along with you on your next shopping trip and drop them in at the collection point for free.
Finally...the Christmas feast
It is estimated that the UK throws away the equivalent of 4 million dinners on Christmas day, and we can take a guess here at Cedrec that the waste food isn't always going onto a compost pile.
One of the best things that householders can do this Christmas is plan ahead. Make sure you write a list of things (and stick to the list!) that you'll need from your food shop to cover you for the Christmas period. This doesn't mean you can't indulge in your favourite foods and tipples, it just means you don't get drawn in by special offers at the supermarket which end up going to landfill as they are surplus to requirements. It also saves you money!
However, even after doing that, it is inevitable that there will be food left over from the Christmas meal. Most food is good for more than one meal if it is stored and re-cooked properly. So plan ahead and see what meals can be made from uneaten food. The internet is full of good recipes to inspire you.
