Can you recycle wrapping paper in the UK?
If there’s one Christmas scene every family knows all too well, it’s a living room covered in scraps of wrapping paper once the present frenzy has subsided.
In the UK, we throw away 227,000 miles of wrapping paper each year, which is enough to wrap around the world more than eight times, according to waste management company Biffa.
It may be easy to collect the paper and throw it into the waste paper bin – but can it all actually be recycled?
The answer is: not always.
Here is how to avoid ‘wishcycling’ your wrapping paper this Christmas.
Can wrapping paper can be recycled?
Wrapping paper can be recycled in the UK, but not all types can be accepted.
It is best to check with your local council for rules over which types of gift wrap can be recycled, but here are some general guidelines.
Thin wrapping paper that tears easily often cannot be recycled as the fibers are too thin, so thicker paper is usually better.
Recycle Now urges people to use the “scrunch test” to see whether paper can be recycled. If the paper holds its shape after scrunching, it passes the test.
Paper made with foil or decorated with glitter cannot be recycled, nor can embellishments such as ribbons and bows.
Wrapping paper is often dyed, laminated and/or contains non-paper additives such as gold and silver coloured shapes, glitter, plastics and so on, which cannot be recycled.
Plain brown paper is usually the most recyclable.
Paper with sticky tape cannot be recycled so it must be removed first.
If your wrapping paper does not meet the criteria, you will need to put it into the general waste bin.
What can be recycled in my area?
You can find out what recycling capacities your local authority has by checking on Recycling Now.
To find out which one takes your rubbish, click here for England and Northern Ireland, here for Wales and here for Scotland.
How else can I be eco-friendly?
Buying gift wrap made from sustainable materials is one of the best ways of being eco-friendly at Christmas.
You can look out for FSC-certified wrapping paper and other Christmas items such as cards and crackers.
You can also reuse the same wrapping paper next year rather than throwing it away and buying more.
The Environment Agency has suggested that you make your own wrapping paper, as this encourages reuse.
“How about getting creative using potato stamps to decorate parcel paper and adding a sprig of holly for that Christmas feel,” the group said.
