If you don’t recycle properly this Christmas, you could end up with a fine from your local council.
Checking what can and can’t be recycled is important to make sure you don’t get a fine (Image: Getty Images)
You might think you already know what can and can’t be recycled but getting it wrong this Christmas could land you a fine.
If you’re planning to get rid of your wrapping paper, tinsel or leftover cards make sure you put them in the right bin today.
Brits are being advised to keep informed about what can and cannot be recycled during Christmas to prevent potential fines.
While the holiday season is a time for joy and festivities, it also leads to a considerable increase in waste.
In the UK, local councils are particularly watchful for any improper waste disposal during this time.
Make sure you don’t overfill your bin (Image: Getty Images)
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Failing to recycle correctly or putting out rubbish outside scheduled collection times could result in penalties.
Recent data found that the UK sends 277,000 miles of wrapping paper to landfills each year and some sources suggest that 17.2 million Brussels sprouts go uneaten, reports Nottinghamshire Live.
A typical Christmas also reportedly sees Brits throw away two million turkeys.
One tree can produce 3,000 Christmas cards, which means it can only provide enough cards for 176 people.
If around one billion Christmas cards are thrown away, that amounts to the loss of 33 million trees.
Home expert Bert Hofhuis from Every Investor said every local council in the UK has unique waste disposal and recycling regulations so it’s important to check the rules your council uses.
Collection schedules can change during the holiday season so you should check for any updates to the regular timetable during Christmas and New Year’s.
It can be confusing figuring out what common Christmas items can be recycled. For example, not all wrapping paper can be recycled. Avoid foil or glitter-covered paper. If it scrunches and stays scrunched, it’s likely recyclable.
Cards without glitter or metallic effects are usually recyclable.
If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure you dispose of it properly (Image: Getty Images)
As for Christmas trees, real trees can often be recycled into chippings. Check with your council for tree recycling services.
When you’re getting rid of boxes and packaging, you should break down cardboard boxes. Remove any plastic packaging or polystyrene before recycling.
If you have a lot of food waste, turn it into compost where possible but first check if your council collects food waste for composting.
Batteries and old electronics should not be thrown in regular bins. Instead, look for local e-waste recycling options.
Anything with glitter can contaminate other waste during recycling and should be thrown in the general waste bin.
Tissue paper cannot be recycled because the fibres are too short.
If you fail to recycle correctly, you could land a fine of between £60 to £200.
You should also make sure that you don’t overfill your bins as they won’t be collected and in some areas, you could land a fine of £150.
