Christmas Cleanup Recycling Tips: Keeping the Holidays Merry and Sustainable Christmas Cleanup Recycling Tips: Keeping the Holidays Merry and Sustainable

Christmas Cleanup Recycling Tips: Keeping the Holidays Merry and Sustainable

The holidays are a time of joy, togetherness, and giving, but they can also lead to a lot of waste. This year, let's make a commitment to enjoy a more sustainable Christmas. Here are some easy tips to help you recycle and reuse your holiday materials, so we can all contribute to a greener future!

1. Christmas Cards

Spread joy and sustainability! You can recycle most Christmas cards, but make sure they don’t have glitter, foil, or ribbons, as these materials cannot be processed by recycling facilities. If your cards are recyclable, simply place them in the appropriate bin. Alternatively, get creative and reuse them to make your own gift tags or cards for next year – a wonderful way to reduce waste while keeping the festive spirit alive!

2. Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper is one of the most common sources of holiday waste, but you can reduce its environmental impact with a quick test! The "scrunch test" is a simple way to check: if the wrapping paper stays scrunched in a ball, it’s likely recyclable (as long as it’s non-foil). Before recycling, though, always double-check with your local authorities to make sure they accept wrapping paper in their program. If not, consider using reusable gift wrap like fabric or shopping bags for a more eco-friendly option next year!

3. Christmas Trees

When the holiday festivities are over, it’s time to think about how to dispose of your Christmas tree responsibly. Real Christmas trees are fully recyclable – check with your local recycling program or waste management service for tree drop-off points or collection dates. If you have an artificial tree, it cannot be recycled, but don’t throw it away! Donate or resell it in good condition to keep it out of landfills and give it a second life with someone else.

4. Love Your Leftovers

Christmas dinners often come with plenty of leftovers, so why not make the most of them? Store your festive meals in airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze them within 1-2 hours to keep them fresh. You can even get creative with your leftovers – turn turkey into a soup, make stuffing fritters, or use vegetables in a savoury casserole! A favourite festive recipe idea is Bubble and Squeak, a delicious and hearty way to transform leftover vegetables like Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, carrots, and cabbage into a flavourful dish. Just fry the leftovers together in a pan until crispy and golden, and you've got a perfect post-Christmas meal! Just remember to consume or freeze within 2 days (1 day for rice dishes) to ensure food safety and minimize waste.


By making small, thoughtful changes, we can all contribute to a more sustainable holiday season. So, this Christmas, let’s enjoy the festivities while keeping the planet in mind – after all, nothing is more important than a merry and green holiday!