Councils in Wales have provided guidance on how to properly recycle Christmas waste. With the festive season coming to an end, many households are left with a mountain of wrapping paper, cards, decorations, and food leftovers. Each council in Wales has its own set of regulations on how to recycle various festive items, depending on the materials used.
Anglesey County Council advises residents to perform a “scrunch test” on wrapping paper to determine recyclability. Paper that can scrunch is recyclable, but tape, ribbons, and certain paper additives must be removed first. Blaenau Gwent Council does not accept wrapping paper with glitter or attachments for recycling. Residents are instructed to place such items in black bags.
Bridgend Council accepts real Christmas trees for recycling at community centres and the Waterton Depot. However, decorations, black plastic, bubble wrap, and certain cards cannot be recycled. Similarly, Caerphilly County Borough Council encourages residents to break down cardboard for recycling and take large amounts to recycling centres. Cardiff Council emphasizes that wrapping paper will not be collected for recycling and should be put in black bins.
Carmarthenshire Council advises residents to recycle wrapping paper that remains scrunched and to flatten cardboard boxes for collection. Ceredigion Council allows plain cards for recycling but not those with glitter or foil. In Conwy, wrapping paper without glitter can usually be recycled, while Denbighshire Council does not accept cards with glitter and certain decorations for recycling.
Flintshire County Council mentions the scrunch test for recyclability, while Gwynedd Council suggests reusing paper and bags whenever possible. Merthyr Tydfil Council accepts brown paper for recycling and asks residents to recycle clean foil and batteries. Monmouthshire Council allows recycling of wrapping paper in red bags if it’s not foil or plastic.
Neath Port Talbot Council permits up to three extra black bags for non-recyclable waste during the festive period. Meanwhile, Newport Council guides residents on the recyclability of wrapping paper based on materials used. Pembrokeshire Council offers a collection service for real Christmas trees and encourages recycling of food waste.
Powys County Council reminds residents to remove glitter from cards before recycling. In Rhondda Cynon Taff, a ‘real’ Christmas tree collection service is available, while Swansea Council advises on recycling wrapping paper based on the scrunch test. Torfaen Council explains the recyclability of wrapping paper and Christmas cards.
Vale of Glamorgan Council recommends disposing of leftovers in the food waste bin and recycling Christmas cards and cardboard without glitter. Lastly, Wrexham Council details the food waste that can be placed in the food caddy at Christmas. Each council’s guidance aims to promote responsible recycling practices and reduce waste during the festive season.