The festive season is a time for joy, gift-giving, and, inevitably, a lot of wrapping paper.
In fact, it is estimated that the UK uses 227,000 miles of wrapping paper each year, enough to circle the Earth over eight times. With so much paper in circulation, knowing how to dispose of it responsibly is more important than ever.
So, with the holidays coming up, can you put Christmas wrapping paper in the recycling bin?
In some cases, yes, but not all types of wrapping paper are recyclable. Getting it wrong can lead to unnecessary waste and contamination.
In this guide, we’ll break down the dos and don’ts of recycling Christmas wrapping paper, including tips on managing other holiday-related paper waste responsibly.
Can Christmas Wrapping Paper Go In the Recycling Bin?
The good news is that much of the wrapping paper used during the holidays can be recycled, but there are some important caveats.
Before tossing it in the bin, be sure to remove any bows, ribbons, or sticky tape, as these cannot be processed through standard recycling streams.
Not all wrapping paper is purely paper. Some types are plastic-based, laminated, or contain glitter, which means they cannot be recycled and should be placed in your general waste. Even gift tags or heavily coated papers fall into this category.
A simple test is to scrunch the paper into a ball. If it stays crumpled, it is likely safe to recycle. If it unfolds, it should go in the general waste.
However, recycling rules can vary depending on where you live. Some local councils, like the Vale of Glamorgan Council, do not accept wrapping paper at all due to dyes, laminates, or other materials. Others may allow it in kerbside collections or at recycling centres.
To be sure, it’s best to check with your local authority before recycling. Doing so will help you avoid contamination and make sure your wrapping paper actually gets recycled, instead of ending up in a landfill.
Can You Recycle Shiny Christmas Wrapping Paper?
Shiny wrapping paper may look festive, but unfortunately, most of it cannot be recycled.
These papers are often made from mixed materials, combining paper with foil, plastic, or metallic coatings, which cannot be separated during the recycling process.
Non-recyclable examples include foil-lined sheets, glitter-covered paper, and any paper with non-paper decorations.
If you’re ever unsure whether your wrapping paper is recyclable, start by checking the packaging. Many brands include a recycling symbol or clearly indicate that the paper is recyclable. You may also see sustainability certifications like FSC, which show the paper has been responsibly sourced.
If the packaging isn’t available or doesn’t provide enough information, consider contacting the manufacturer to confirm the materials used.
As a rule of thumb, don’t recycle any wrapping paper unless you’re confident it’s purely paper, as shiny, laminated, or glittery papers can contaminate recycling batches.
Is Christmas Tissue Paper Recyclable?
Tissue paper is another festive favourite that can cause confusion when it comes to recycling. While it is technically a paper product, made from recycled materials or virgin wood pulp, many local recycling schemes do not accept it.
The reason is that tissue paper typically has very short fibres and lower-quality material, which makes it difficult to transform into new, high-quality paper products. As a result, most local authorities are unable to process it effectively.
Fortunately, as long as your tissue paper is free from non-paper decorations, it doesn’t have to end up in a landfill. It is widely accepted at composting facilities, and you can even compost it at home, along with food scraps or garden waste.
Keep in mind that tissue paper that features full-coverage or ‘flood coat’ printing should not be composted.
Even though these inks are approved by certification bodies, they can still release pigments and toxic substances into the compost and, ultimately, the soil. These colourants don’t add any benefit to the environment and can even contaminate your compost.
In short, compost plain tissue paper sheets, recycle if you can, and keep fully printed tissue out of the compost heap to protect your soil from contamination.
Sustainable Wrapping Tips For A Greener Christmas
Recycling is a great start, but there are ways to go further when it comes to reducing the environmental impact of your wrapping.
1. Choose Sustainable Wrapping Paper
One of the easiest ways to make a difference is to choose wrapping paper from sustainable sources.
Look for FSC-certified paper, which ensures it has been responsibly sourced without contributing to deforestation or environmental harm. The same applies to other seasonal items, like cards and crackers.
2. Reuse Wrapping Paper
Even better than recycling is reusing wrapping paper whenever possible.
Extra-large sheets, gift bags, and even smaller scraps can be saved and repurposed for next year, helping to cut down on unnecessary waste.
3. Look for Recyclable Options
When buying new wrapping paper, recyclable options come in many designs and price points, so you can be eco-friendly without sacrificing style.
As you shop, remember to avoid papers decorated with foil, glitter, or metallic finishes, and steer clear of thick, glossy gift wrap, which often has coatings that interfere with recycling.
4. Consider Eco-Friendly Alternatives
A budget and environmentally friendly wrapping paper alternative is brown kraft paper.
It’s versatile and can be made festive by adding a string, ribbon made from recyclable materials, or other decorations that won’t interfere with recycling.
Other eco-friendly wrapping options include glass jars, cardboard boxes, or metal tins, all of which can be reused or recycled to reduce waste.
How We Can Help
At Enava, we understand that the holiday season generates a lot of extra waste.
To make recycling easier for our local customers, we’re offering free drop-off recycling throughout December and January.
This means you can responsibly dispose of your wrapping paper, gift boxes, and other recyclables during the busy festive period without any hassle. All collected materials are transported safely to our depot, processed into bales, and then sent to accredited paper mills for recycling.
Whether you’re looking for a one-off drop-off during the holidays or a long-term recycling solution, our experienced team is ready to help.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements and find the most efficient way to manage your paper and cardboard waste.