A scrunched up ball of Christmas wrapping paper

Not all wrapping paper is actually paper. Some is made with plastic or foil. To check if it can be recycled, try the scrunch test. If you can scrunch the paper into a ball and it stays scrunched, you can recycle it.

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Cardboard box with torn wrapping paper

Before recycling your cardboard boxes, take out all plastic packaging, bubble wrap and polystyrene. They are all made with plastic and can’t be recycled, so put them in your general waste bin.

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Christmas tree lights, wires, cables and other electrical items can’t go in any of your bins at home.

You can recycle them at your local  Recycling Centre.

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mixed recycling

As well as shampoo bottles and shower gel bottles from the bathroom you can also recycle deodorant cans, glass perfume bottles and face cream jars from the bedroom.

Find out what else you can recycle at home.

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Greeting card with glitter

Cards and wrapping paper with glitter can’t be recycled. This is because glitter is made from plastic and can’t be separated out from the paper and card fibres during the recycling process.

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Batteries

Batteries are essential, especially if you expecting to receive gadgets and toys this Christmas. Plan ahead and invest in some reusable batteries. They’re better for the planet and your pocket.

If you do have some dead batteries, you can recycle them at most supermarkets and electrical shops.

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More and more people in Greater Manchester are recycling foil pie cases, which is great because they can be recycled over and over and over again!

Plus, you can put any uneaten leftovers in your kitchen food caddy and the card packaging in your paper and card bin.

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Christmas tree decorations

Turn your real tree into compost! Chop it up into your food and garden bin or take it to your local Recycling Centre.  Some councils also have collection points.

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varying types of cheeses

Don’t let your food go to waste this Christmas – give these leftover recipes a go!

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Recycle for Greater Manchester