Recycle at home = Depends
Some wrapping paper is recyclable and some isn’t. The easiest way to check is to do the ‘scrunch test’:
- Step 1: Take the wrapping paper in your hand and scrunch it together into a tight ball
- Step 2: Open your hand to see if the paper stays scrunched together or bounces back open
- Step 3: If the paper stays scrunched in a ball, then you know it can be recycled
Wrapping that passes the ‘scrunch test’ can be placed in your paper and card recycling bin. Wrapping paper that fails the test (or has glitter on it) should go in your rubbish bin.
Recycle out of home = Depends
Wrapping paper that passes the scrunch test (see above) and does not have glitter on it can be recycled at local collection points or your council-run Household Reuse and Recycling Centre.
Be a great recycler…
- Make sure you only buy wrapping paper that is recyclable
- Paper and card should be kept clean and dry – please close the lid on your bin
- Wet or dirty paper and card should be placed in your rubbish bin
- If in doubt, leave it out. Don’t let your enthusiasm to recycle contaminate a whole truck load of recycling – see What is ‘contamination’ and why is it important?
Waste less…
- Make do without wrapping paper all together – re-use old brown paper or think of alternative ways of presenting your gifts; there are lots of creative ideas online.