Christmas is just around the corner. But just as we enjoy all of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas markets and festive food, we must think about the waste we’re generating in the process. According to Gov.uk, we produce around 30% more waste at Christmas than at any other time of year.

Where we can’t always avoid generating waste at this time of year, there are ways of disposing of it in an eco-friendly and responsible manner. As such, we’re going to give you some hints and tips about recycling every aspect of your Christmas day, from toys and Christmas cards to trees and foil roasting trays.

How to recycle old toys

It’s beneficial to have a declutter before Christmas. Get rid of toys that your children no longer play with to make room for new additions to the playroom, for instance. If you’re looking to get rid of surplus toys, you should give them all to a charity shop, if they’re in good condition. In addition, you could give them to friends and family who have children that are of a suitable age to play with those toys.

If they’re broken beyond repair, then you should take them to your local waste recycling centre so they can be recycled there. Most toys are made from plastic and other materials that can be easily recycled. Therefore, taking them to a recycling centre, if taking them to a charity shop isn’t an option, is one of the better solutions. Willshee’s are also pleased to take plastic waste from you, with an aim to recycle 100% of it as responsibly as possible via our unparalleled recycling services.

How to recycle wrapping paper

Recycling wrapping paper is straightforward. It’s almost as easy as recycling regular paper in this day and age. If you scrunch it up and it doesn’t unravel, then it can be recycled with your paper recycling at the curbside. If, however, you scrunch it up and it unravels in your hand, then it cannot be recycled. This is usually because it’s either waxy, contains plastic or contains foil. Where foil and plastic can be recycled, it can’t be disposed of in a dedicated paper recycling bin.

This is where Willshee’s come in. We are able to recycle a wide range of different materials. This gives our customers peace of mind that their carbon footprint will be as minimal as possible when choosing us to recycle their Christmas waste. Why put it in your general waste bin if it can be recycled just as easily as other materials? Choose Willshee’s for waste management services this Christmas.

How to recycle Christmas cards

Much like wrapping paper, Christmas cards can be disposed of in your cardboard and paper recycling bins at home. However, you will need to make sure that the card doesn’t contain any glitter or plastic. Remove those items and recycle as much of the plain cardboard and paper on the card as possible.

You’ll be able to recycle Christmas cards in a simple and effective manner thanks to your Local Authority. Although Willshee’s can also recycle paper and cardboard for you. Whether it’s a stack of Christmas cards or toy packaging, you can rely on us to recycle your Christmas waste.

How to recycle Christmas food waste

Food waste is something that we here at Willshee’s can dispose of, turning it into biofuel for use throughout the community. Not only does this help to reduce our own carbon footprint, but it also reduces the carbon footprint of both our customers and those in the wider community. This means that, by choosing Willshee’s, you can be a part of the process as well.

However, your Local Authority will also be able to collect food waste, if you’ve been provided with a food waste container. Not every Local Authority will provide their residents with one of those, so you could compost that food waste as an alternative. This way, you’ll be able to use your leftover sprouts and parsnips to fertilise your plants and flowers in the spring – saving you money on compost whilst saving the planet.

How to recycle Christmas trees

It’s never been easier for you to recycle your Christmas tree. You can give it to your Local Authority to dispose of. They’ll then use a wood chipper to create a soft plant material that’ll create paths across local parks, returning the tree back to the ground it came from. Alternatively, you could also take it to your local recycling centre, where they’ll likely do the same thing. Willshee’s can take your garden waste also, making for a convenient way to recycle your Christmas tree this year.

If, however, you have an artificial tree you want to get rid of, take it to your local charity shop. Although, if it’s broken or damaged beyond repair, then bring it to your recycling centre and place it in the plastic bin. Despite there being a wide-spread debate about whether we should be buying real or fake trees at Christmas, the general consensus is that real trees are best for the planet, especially if you rent a Christmas tree.

How to recycle Christmas decorations

Christmas decorations are made from a wide range of different materials. From plastic and metal to wood and glass, the materials they’re made from have never been more diverse. As such, it’s become increasingly more difficult to know what to do with them when you no longer want them. Most of those materials can be recycled, provided they’re not mixed with other materials.

For example, if you buy a paper decoration and there’s plastic attached to it, you can’t put it in the paper recycling bin without first removing the plastic element. Although, if it’s made from one material, the recycling process is far more straightforward. Willshee’s are able to recycle a wide range of different materials. So you will always be able to trust us when it comes to recycling your Christmas waste after the festive season is over.

How to recycle foil & foil roasting trays

Foil is a little more tricky to dispose of at home. Most recycling centres will be well-equipped to deal with foil waste and recycling it appropriately. However, foil recycling at home isn’t really the “done thing”. Willshee’s on the other hand, will be able to take foil and recycle it properly. We are able to deal with mixed waste skips, both commercial and domestic, so it’s very rare that we come across materials that cannot be disposed of in an eco-friendly manner.

If you’re on the lookout for unrivalled waste management services, including recycling services, skip hire, grab hire, hazardous waste removal and disposal, and more, then get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today – we are always on hand to help, even if you have any questions for our expert team.

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