J&B Recycling Knowledge

We hope you all had a festive Christmas, surrounded by family and friends. As the holiday season wraps up, we want to offer you our special gift: our top tips for reducing the environmental impact of your household after Christmas.

The season of giving often leaves us with an unfortunate amount of increased waste and contamination, with an extra 3 million tons of additional waste being counted for around Christmas time in the UK. So, it’s more important than ever to know how to manage your waste responsibly. Whether it’s recycling, reusing, or repurposing, there are simple steps you can take to make a big difference.

Day 1: Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are recyclable; however, they need to be separated before they can be put in your recycling bin.

First, remove the outer cardboard packaging - this can go straight into your recycling bin. Next, separate the plastic insert (which held the chocolates) from the foil layer on top. Place both the plastic, foil and cardboard into your recycling bin. Also make sure there aren’t any chocolates in the calendar - we’re sure there won’t be.

For next year, consider switching to a reusable advent calendar that you can fill with your own treats. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also allows you to personalise the experience, making it even more special and sustainable.

Day 2: Christmas Tree

Christmas trees are at the heart of our celebrations – most households in the UK will have one (or even two), which as you can imagine, whether real or fake, greatly contribute to the amount of waste increasing around Christmas. Around 8 million real Christmas trees are discarded annually in the UK, adding approximately 12,000 tonnes of waste each year. Which is why it’s so important to know how to dispose of them properly.

Real Christmas trees are 100% recyclable/compostable, making them a more sustainable option if handled correctly after the festive season. Many councils offer pick-up schemes specifically for Christmas trees - check your local authority’s website for details. Once collected, these trees are often shredded into wood chippings to be used in parks or landscaping projects.

If your council accepts garden waste, another option is to cut your tree into smaller pieces and add it to your green waste bin. This ensures the tree is composted, providing valuable organic material to enrich soil. Proper disposal not only reduces waste but also gives your tree a second life in an environmentally friendly way.

Artificial trees, while reusable, present a different challenge. They are made from a combination of materials such as plastic, metal, and PVC, making them unsuitable for recycling through kerbside schemes. These mixed materials are difficult to separate and process, so artificial trees often end up in landfill or incineration if thrown away.

Instead of discarding your artificial tree, consider donating it to a charity shop, community group, or care home. These organisations often appreciate decorations and can give your tree a new purpose. By reusing or donating your artificial tree, you can reduce waste and ensure it continues to spread festive cheer for years to come.

Day 3: Wrapping Paper and Gift Wrap

Gift giving is one of the main aspects of Christmas, and with that comes a huge amount of waste. In the UK alone, an estimated 227,000 miles of wrapping paper are used each year – enough to wrap around the Earth nine times! This makes it essential to dispose of wrapping paper responsibly to reduce its environmental impact.

One of the simplest ways to cut down on waste is by opting for recyclable wrapping paper, which is now widely available in most supermarkets and online. Plain, uncoated paper or kraft paper makes an excellent eco-friendly choice. Avoid wrapping paper with glitter, metallic finishes, or plastic coatings, as these materials cannot be recycled and contaminate the recycling process.

When wrapping gifts, consider using alternatives to Sellotape, such as paper tape, string, or reusable ribbons, as these are easier to remove and less likely to interfere with recycling.

TOP TIP: A handy trick to determine if your wrapping paper is recyclable is the scrunch test. Simply scrunch the paper into a ball:

• If it stays scrunched, it’s recyclable.
• If it springs back, it likely contains foil, plastic, or other non-recyclable materials and should be disposed of in your general waste bin.

It’s also worth checking your local council’s recycling guidelines, as some authorities may not accept any wrapping paper for recycling, even if it passes the scrunch test.

Another way to minimise waste is by reusing wrapping paper, gift bags, and ribbons from previous years. Encourage friends and family to open presents carefully to preserve materials for reuse.

For a creative and sustainable approach, consider ditching traditional wrapping paper altogether. Use recyclable newspaper, old maps, or even a festive scarf to wrap your gifts. These options are not only eco-friendly but can also make your presents stand out under the tree.

Day 4: Christmas Cards Recycling

When it’s time to take down your Christmas cards, it’s important to dispose of them responsibly to reduce waste and ensure that materials are properly recycled. Most cards can go straight into your household recycling bin, but it’s crucial to prepare them correctly to avoid contamination.

Some Christmas cards feature embellishments such as bows, jewels, googly eyes, or plastic decorations. These items cannot be recycled and should be carefully removed and placed in your general waste bin before recycling the card. Glitter, another common feature on festive cards, creates challenges for recycling. If only a small section of the card has glitter, you can cut off that part and recycle the rest of the card. However, cards with glitter covering the entire surface cannot be recycled and should go in your general waste bin.

Cards that light up or play music require special attention, as they contain small batteries and electronic components. These elements fall under WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations and cannot be placed in your household recycling bin. Remove the battery and any electronic parts from the card before disposing of the rest of the card in your general waste or recycling bin, depending on its materials. The batteries and electronic components should be taken to a designated recycling point for electrical items or battery disposal, often found at local recycling centres or supermarkets.

Some cards may also include mixed materials like plastic windows or metallic foil. These need to be removed before recycling. Check for areas where the materials can be separated, and place any non-paper parts in your general waste bin. Many cards now include recycling information on the back, so look for symbols or instructions indicating whether the card is recyclable. If in doubt, check with your local council to confirm what can and cannot be recycled in your area.

Before recycling your cards, consider reusing them in creative ways. You can cut out sections of the card to use as unique gift tags for next year, or save them for craft projects like scrapbooking or making new decorations. Another option is to cut cards into strips to create colourful and festive bookmarks.

For a more sustainable approach, you might consider sending e-cards or digital greetings in the future. Alternatively, look for Christmas cards made from recycled materials or those certified as recyclable and glitter-free. Many charities offer eco-friendly card options, allowing you to spread cheer while supporting a good cause.

Day 5: Batteries

During the festive season, with the increase in toys, decorations, and gifts powered by batteries, it’s more important than ever to ensure they are disposed of responsibly. Batteries play a significant role in powering our celebrations, but they also require special care when they reach the end of their life.

Did you know that batteries should never be placed in your household recycling or general waste bin? When batteries make their way to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) like ours, they can pose a serious fire hazard. Damaged or overheated batteries can spark fires, putting employees, equipment, and facilities at risk. Beyond safety concerns, improper disposal can have a devastating impact on the environment. Batteries often contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into the soil and water, causing long-term environmental damage.

The good news is that there are easy and accessible ways to dispose of batteries safely. Many supermarkets, shops, and even schools provide dedicated battery recycling drop-off points. These collection points are specifically designed to handle batteries safely, ensuring that valuable materials can be recovered and reused while hazardous components are disposed of properly.

To make recycling easier, keep a small container at home to collect used batteries throughout the year. Once it’s full, take it to your nearest recycling point. Remember to check the guidelines for rechargeable and single-use batteries, as they are often accepted at the same facilities.

If you have larger batteries, such as those used in power tools, electric scooters, or other electronics, consult your local recycling centre for advice on how to dispose of them correctly. These may require special handling due to their size and composition.

Day 6: Food waste and contamination

A big part of Christmas for many households across the nation is the food. From pigs in blankets to festive feasts and all the trimmings, Christmas dinner is a highlight of the season. However, it often leads to a significant amount of food waste and contamination. While indulging is part of the joy, it’s essential to think about the waste generated and how it’s managed. Not only should we aim to reduce the amount of food that gets thrown away, but we should also pay attention to how we dispose of any waste properly.

Food waste should never end up in your recycling bin. When food waste is mixed with recyclable materials, it contaminates them, rendering them unsuitable for processing. In some cases, this contamination can mean the entire recycling load is rejected and sent to landfill or incineration instead, undoing everyone’s recycling efforts.

Be mindful of the packaging your food comes in as well. While many types of packaging are recyclable, they must be rinsed free of food residue before being placed in the recycling bin. Items like foil trays, plastic containers, and glass jars should be cleaned to prevent contamination. For example, leftover gravy or crumbs in a container might not seem like much, but they can compromise the quality of recyclable materials during processing.

To reduce food waste, consider portion planning before big meals. Cook only what you need and make use of leftovers for delicious meals in the days following Christmas. Freezing extra portions is another great way to prevent waste and enjoy festive flavours later on.

For unavoidable food waste, such as vegetable peelings or bones, check if your local council offers a food waste collection service. These services ensure that food waste is processed into compost or used for renewable energy, keeping it out of landfill and putting it to good use.

Day 7: Christmas Lights

The UK discards an astonishing 500 tonnes of Christmas lights each year, adding to the significant amount of waste generated during the festive season. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly place old or broken fairy lights in their household recycling bin, thinking they can be processed alongside other materials. However, Christmas lights are actually classed as ‘electrical waste’ and require special handling to ensure proper disposal and recycling.

Fairy lights contain valuable components such as copper wiring, glass, and plastics that can be recovered and reused, as well as potentially harmful materials that must be disposed of safely. When incorrectly placed in a household recycling bin, these lights can cause issues at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), where their tangled wires can damage machinery and slow down operations. This makes it even more important to dispose of them in the correct way.

The best way to recycle old or broken Christmas lights is to take them to your local household waste recycling centre or an electrical waste collection point. These facilities are equipped to handle small electrical items, ensuring the materials are recovered efficiently while reducing the environmental impact.

Before disposing of your Christmas lights, consider whether they can be repaired. Often, a single blown bulb or faulty wire is all that’s needed to render them unusable, and fixing them can save you money while reducing waste. Many repair guides and replacement parts are available online for a quick fix.

For those looking to upgrade their lights, consider switching to energy-efficient LED options. LED lights use significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills. They are also longer-lasting, which means you’ll replace them less frequently.

Day 8: Glass Bottles

Over Christmas, there’s always a noticeable increase in glass bottles arriving at our MRF (we can only guess why!). While it’s fantastic to see so many of you making an effort to recycle, it’s equally important to ensure these bottles are disposed of correctly. Proper recycling helps make the process smoother, more efficient, and ensures the materials can be reused effectively.

Glass bottles are 100% recyclable, but they need to be prepared properly before going into your recycling bin. By taking a few simple steps, you can help ensure they are processed efficiently and avoid contamination.

First, rinse out your bottles to remove any leftover liquid or residue. While it may seem like a small thing, even small amounts of liquid can contaminate other recyclable materials, particularly paper and cardboard, potentially leading to the entire load being rejected. A quick rinse makes all the difference.

Next, make sure to remove the cap or lid from the glass bottle before recycling. Glass bottles often have metal caps that are processed differently, so separating them ensures both materials can be recycled properly. Once removed, place the cap or lid into your recycling bin separately. This prevents issues during sorting and ensures the materials are effectively recovered.

Finally, once your bottles are clean and capped, place them directly into your recycling bin. From there, we’ll take care of the rest, ensuring the glass is sorted, crushed, and processed into new bottles or other glass products.

Remember, not all glass is treated equally in the recycling process. Items like glassware, Pyrex, or lightbulbs cannot go in your household recycling bin as they are made of a different type of glass that melts at a higher temperature. Check with your local recycling centre for proper disposal of these items.

Day 9: Packaging

The Christmas season often brings an influx of packages to your doorstep, with gifts, online orders, and deliveries piling up. While unwrapping these parcels adds to the festive excitement, it’s just as important to think about what happens to the packaging afterward. Recycling your cardboard properly not only reduces waste but also helps ensure that valuable materials are reused efficiently, contributing to a more sustainable holiday season.

To recycle your cardboard packaging correctly, start by flattening your boxes. This simple step saves space in your recycling bin and makes transportation and processing at recycling facilities more efficient. Ensure that all non-recyclable materials are removed before placing the cardboard in your bin. Items such as bubble wrap, foam inserts, and plastic tape cannot be processed with the cardboard and should be disposed of separately. For tape, try to peel off as much as possible, though small amounts left behind won’t cause major issues.

Another key factor to consider is the condition of your cardboard. It must be clean and dry to be recyclable. Cardboard that is greasy or wet, such as takeaway boxes or damp packaging left outside, cannot be processed effectively and should go in your general waste bin or composted if appropriate. Keeping your recycling bin lid closed can help protect your cardboard from rain or snow during the winter months, ensuring it stays in a recyclable condition.

For those looking to go a step further, consider reusing cardboard boxes before recycling them. They can be repurposed for storage, craft projects, or even as protective coverings for surfaces during household projects. Reusing before recycling is a great way to extend the life of materials and reduce overall waste.

Day 10: Textiles

The New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start, and for many, that includes decluttering wardrobes. Clearing out unwanted clothes can be both liberating and practical, but before you simply toss them in the bin, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of textiles and how we dispose of them.

The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global pollution, with fast fashion being a major culprit. Cheap, mass-produced clothing is designed to be worn for a short time, often falling apart or going out of style within a season. As a result, huge amounts of clothing end up in landfills every year. Synthetic fabrics like polyester can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful microplastics into the environment in the process. Meanwhile, the production of these clothes demands vast quantities of water, energy, and chemicals, contributing to resource depletion and environmental damage.

It’s also important to remember that textiles should never be placed in your household recycling bin. Unlike paper, plastics, and metals, textiles require specialised recycling processes and can cause contamination if mixed with other recyclable materials. Instead, consider one of the many sustainable ways to handle your unwanted garments.

If you’re planning a wardrobe refresh, there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to handle your unwanted garments. Donating clothes to local charities or clothing banks is a simple way to give your items a second life while supporting those in need. Many high street stores also run recycling schemes where you can drop off used clothes and textiles. Even worn or damaged items can sometimes be repurposed into new materials, so check local recycling options for textiles.

For clothes in good condition, selling them online or through second-hand platforms like Vinted, eBay, or Depop is an excellent way to pass on items you no longer need. Not only does this extend the life of your clothing, but it also puts some money back in your pocket. Hosting a clothes swap with friends or family can be another fun and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a penny.

When it comes to shopping for yourself, second-hand stores, vintage shops, or online marketplaces are treasure troves for unique and affordable finds. Supporting these options helps reduce demand for fast fashion, encouraging more sustainable practices within the industry.

Day 11: Vapes

Did you know disposable vapes and e-cigarettes can - and should - be recycled? As their popularity continues to grow, especially during festive periods like Christmas, it’s important to know how to dispose of them responsibly. However, vapes should never be placed in your household recycling or general waste bin.

Throwing vapes in the wrong bin can harm the environment and pose significant safety risks. The lithium batteries inside these devices can spark and cause fires at Materials Recycling Facilities (MRFs) if they are damaged during sorting. This not only endangers staff and equipment but also disrupts recycling operations. Improper disposal also means valuable materials like lithium, metals, and plastics go to waste instead of being recovered and reused.

With the surge in gifting and use of vapes during the holiday season, the volume of disposable devices being discarded increases significantly. Vapes contain components such as lithium batteries and metal casings, which can be recycled and repurposed. Recycling these materials reduces the demand for mining new resources, conserves energy, and minimises waste sent to landfills.

By recycling vapes correctly, you help reduce environmental damage, prevent fires, and contribute to a circular economy.

How to Recycle Vapes Responsibly

1. Do NOT place vapes in your household recycling or general waste bin. These devices require specialised recycling processes that standard kerbside collections cannot handle safely.
2. Take them to a designated recycling point. Local Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) are equipped to handle small electrical waste, including disposable vapes and e-cigarettes.
3. Check retailer take-back schemes. Some retailers now offer recycling services for used vapes, making it convenient to return them when purchasing new devices.
4. Ensure the vape is empty. Before recycling, ensure the vape has no leftover e-liquid to prevent spills or contamination.

For more detailed guidance on how to recycle vapes, check out the full article on J&B Recycling’s website: Can Vapes Be Recycled?.

Day 12: Pringles Tubes

Pringles packaging, a staple at Christmas buffets and celebrations, have long been a challenge to recycle due to their original design. The combination of metal bases and mixed materials made them nearly impossible to separate and process effectively. In response to sustainability concerns, Pringles recently introduced new packaging made of 90% paper, claiming it is recyclable. However, a closer look reveals the reality is not as straightforward as it seems.

While the new packaging aims to address environmental issues, recycling these tubes remains a complex problem. Currently, only one specialist mill in the UK is equipped to process the new Pringles tubes properly. For the recycling process to work, the tubes need to be separated from other materials, including standard paper, and sent directly to this facility.

The majority of paper mills cannot handle Pringles tubes because they are only 90% paper. The remaining 10% - currently unknown - is usually made from materials like plastic or wax, which are added to provide durability and protection for the product. These non-paper components pose significant challenges for standard recycling processes. Most paper mills require materials to be 100% paper to ensure smooth processing, meaning that the non-paper elements in Pringles tubes make them unsuitable. As a result, the tubes are often treated as contaminants, disrupting recycling streams for newsprint, cardboard, and mixed paper.

To complicate matters further, most kerbside recycling schemes aren’t designed to separate Pringles tubes from other materials. While the tubes may be classified as recyclable paper at collection, they are often rejected during the pulping process due to their design. This means many tubes ultimately end up in landfill or are incinerated unless sent to the specialist mill.

This raises an important question: is this new packaging a genuine step toward sustainability or an example of greenwashing? While the move to more paper-based materials is commendable, it also highlights a significant gap between packaging innovation and the realities of existing recycling systems.

In Conclusion

As the holiday season comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can carry the festive spirit into the New Year while prioritising sustainability. At J&B Recycling, we’re committed to helping households and businesses manage their waste responsibly. Whether it’s recycling your Christmas cards, donating your artificial tree, or properly disposing of tricky items like batteries and vapes, small changes can make a big difference for the environment.

This Christmas, we’ve seen how important it is to align good intentions with practical actions. By making informed choices about waste, reusing what we can, and recycling responsibly, we can ensure that the joy of the festive season doesn’t come at the expense of our planet. Together, let’s make sustainability a lasting gift for the future. From all of us at J&B Recycling, we wish you a prosperous, greener New Year!