The holiday season is over, but the waste it leaves behind is just the beginning—especially when it comes to recycling. As households in Devon and Cornwall gear up to tackle post-Christmas clutter, local councils have issued essential tips to ensure that festive leftovers don’t end up harming the environment. But here’s where it gets tricky: not all holiday waste is created equal, and some items might surprise you with their recycling potential—or lack thereof.
Devon County Council and Cornwall Council have teamed up to guide residents on how to responsibly dispose of common holiday items like cards, batteries, wrapping paper, and even Christmas trees. And this is the part most people miss: while it’s tempting to toss everything into the bin, many items can be recycled or creatively reused—think leftover food or outdated gadgets. Council leaders are urging residents to think twice before throwing things away, emphasizing that a little creativity can go a long way in reducing waste.
Controversial recycling truths: Wrapping paper and Christmas cards are often assumed to be recyclable, but Liz Jarvis, a senior waste manager at Devon County Council, warns that those covered in plastic or glitter are a no-go. ‘It’s a common misconception,’ she explains. ‘Glitter and plastic coatings can contaminate recycling batches, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.’ This raises the question: should we rethink our holiday wrapping choices next year?
Food waste is another major issue, with a 2022 analysis revealing that roughly a third of black bin waste is food. ‘It’s our number one nemesis,’ Jarvis notes. She suggests freezing leftovers instead of letting them go to waste. ‘If you’ve overbought, don’t toss it—freeze it for another day.’ But here’s a thought-provoking question: Are we buying too much in the first place? Could mindful shopping reduce waste before it even starts?
Batteries are another red flag. Both councils stress that old batteries should never be thrown in the rubbish bin, as they pose a fire risk. Instead, take them to a supermarket or local recycling centre. But here’s where it gets controversial: while recycling batteries is crucial, the bigger issue might be our reliance on disposable batteries. Should we be pushing for more reusable alternatives?
Christmas trees, too, can be recycled, with some councils offering special collections. However, size restrictions apply—trees over 6ft (1.82m) may need to be taken to a recycling centre. Jarvis shares a creative tip: ‘We keep our tree in the garden as long as possible, often until May. It doubles as a bird feeder, and they love it.’ This raises another point: Can we rethink how we celebrate holidays to minimize waste and maximize sustainability?
Waste collection dates are also changing across both counties, so households are advised to check with their local authority for updated schedules. And this is the part most people miss: staying informed about collection dates can prevent missed pickups and ensure your recycling efforts don’t go to waste—literally.
As we wrap up the holiday season, these tips serve as a reminder that small changes can make a big difference. But the real question is: Are we doing enough? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think these recycling tips go far enough, or is there more we could be doing to reduce holiday waste?
