All the decorations, gifting and festive fun can make Christmas recycling feel like a bit of a puzzle. But no need to stress, we’ve got everything explained here for you!
Card recycling
Christmas cards can be tricky, but sorting them is easier than you think. All recyclable Christmas cards should go in your card sack.
Try to steer clear of glittery or metallic designs, as these can’t be recycled. When in doubt, check the back of the card, or the packaging it came in- most will say whether they’re recyclable.
Paper recycling
Your recyclable wrapping paper can go straight into your paper sack.
Just watch out for plastic-coated, metallic or glittered wrapping paper, as this needs to go in the general waste. If you’re buying new wrapping paper, look for designs which clearly say recyclable- they often look just as beautiful (if not better!), and they’re far kinder to the planet.
Tree-cycling
If you’ve chosen a real Christmas tree this year, don’t forget you can book a collection with Farleigh Hospice.
On 9-12 January 2026, their amazing team of staff and volunteers will be making their rounds throughout Chelmsford and surrounding areas, collecting Christmas trees from homes and businesses in return for a donation to Farleigh Hospice.
Every penny raised helps support people with life-limiting illnesses or bereavement. Plus, you’ll be doing your bit for the environment!
Food waste
Christmas dinner is one of the best parts of the festive season, but it’s also when many of us accidently cook enough to feed a small army. A little planning can go a long way towards reducing waste, so try to only buy what you need, plan your portions ahead of time, and keep leftover recipe ideas handy.
Of course, some food waste is unavoidable, we get it. Just remember to pop any scraps into your food caddy, not the general waste bin.
Plastics
We all enjoy a festive sweet treat — but knowing what to do with the packaging isn’t always easy.
This season, you’ll find plenty of familiar items on the shelves, from grab bags and mince pie trays to large chocolate tubs. The good news is that these can all be recycled in your kerbside plastic recycling sack, as well as at most supermarkets.
So save yourself an extra trip and pop them out on your collection day — or into your communal flats recycling — and have your elf a sweet little Christmas!
You can find out exactly what can and can’t go in your plastic sack here. We’ll be sharing more guidance on plastic recycling in the new year, so stay tuned.
Changes to your Christmas waste collection
Bin collection days will be different over Christmas and New Year due to the bank holidays. Make sure to check your updated collection calendar so you know exactly which bins ton put out, and when!
You can check your collection dates for your postcode and see further guidance for what items are permitted into each waste and recycling box or bin here.
