Why not consider buying preloved gifts this Christmas? You can get low priced bikes, kitchenware and so much more from our Renew shops. New to Renew? Sign up to the mailing list, you’ll get 10% off everything in our online shop
We all have loads of stuff at Christmas. More stuff means there’s more to recycle. Don’t forget all those extra plastic pots for cream or custard, mince pie trays and Christmas pudding or sweetie tubs can be recycled in your mixed recycling bin at home. If they’re grubby, just given them a little rinse and then recycle. You’ll stay on Santa’s nice list for sure.
Sick of the sight of wrapping paper? Why not swap it for reusable cloth or gift bags this year. If you do go traditional, remember that not all wrapping paper is actually paper. Some is made with plastic or foil. To check if it can be recycled, scrunch the paper into a ball and it stays scrunched, you can recycle it. If it bounces back, it contains plastic and should go in your general waste bin.
In the UK, each year we throw away £42million of unwanted presents! If you receive a gift that’s not something you would use, you don’t need to bin it. You could donate it to charity, regift it later in the year, or sell it online. Remember one person’s trash is someone else’s treasure.
Boxing Day is the busiest day of the year at our recycling centres, with thousands of visitors. So before you travel, have a think if you really need to go, or if your visit could wait a few days. All our 20 recycling centres are open every day except Christmas day and New Year’s Day.
Think you might be using a van to get rid of excess rubbish? Don’t forget to apply for your free van permit – you won’t be able to visit without one. The last day to apply for a van permit before Christmas is 19th December 2025.
