Bin man’s warning earlier than throwing Christmas wrapping paper and playing cards in garbage
A waste management worker has issued an important warning about recycling Christmas wrapping paper and gift bags – and it’s not always what you think
A bin man has issued a stark warning to anyone disposing of Christmas wrapping paper, cards and gift bags this month. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of gathering with loved ones to unwrap presents on Christmas Day, but the aftermath clean-up is far less enjoyable.
With floors typically littered with wrapping paper and gift bags, your initial instinct might be to collect everything and toss it into the recycling bin. However, what many don’t realise is that not all festive gift wrapping can actually be recycled.
The holiday season represents a hectic period for waste collectors, making it crucial not to complicate their duties by incorrectly disposing of items.
A bin man from St Helens Borough Council has appealed to residents to exercise caution when recycling Christmas wrapping paper, cards and gift bags. Speaking via the council’s TikTok platform, Danny explained: “Do you know what goes in what bin over the festive period? Wrapping paper, gift bags and christmas cards CANNOT go in your green or blue recycling bags here in St Helens borough.”
When questioned: “Why aren’t they recyclable? ,” the waste collector clarified: “Most contain foil, plastic, glitter and glue – so please pop them into your brown general waste bin. If it’s just plain old brown paper then that’s fine.
“Each council is different though – it’s just how it works here in St Helens so best to check with your council,” reports the Manchester Evening News.
Recycling experts from Kingfisher Direct are encouraging people to test the recyclability of their Christmas wrapping paper. Ryanvir Kaila from Kingfisher Direct has outlined a simple three-step process to determine if your wrapping paper can be recycled:.
Step 1: Scrunch the wrapping paper into a ball.
Step 2: Release the scrunched-up wrapping paper.
Step 3: If the wrapping paper stays scrunched, it’s recyclable.
Ryan emphasises, “It is important to remember that if wrapping paper has glitter, foil or any adhesive on it, then it cannot be recycled regardless of whether it remains scrunched”.
He also advocates for reusing wrapping paper whenever feasible. “If your wrapping paper is kept intact, with no rips and little wrinkling, then it can even be reused to wrap another present. Re-using wrapping paper is a great hack as it not only saves you spending money on new wrapping paper, but it ensures that less wrapping paper is being disposed of in general waste,” he advises.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
