Festive Recycling Tips
The festive season brings joy, celebrations, and, let’s be honest, a significant amount of waste. From food packaging to wrapping paper and toy boxes, bins can fill up quickly once the festivities come to an end. With the new 2025 DEFRA Simpler Recycling regulations in place, proper recycling is more important than ever.
In England, both households and businesses are now required to separate recyclable materials and food waste correctly to minimise contamination and keep more waste out of landfills. Even with the best intentions, small mistakes can result in entire batches of recycling being sent to the wrong location.
This guide explains how to recycle everyday festive items under the new rules, helping you celebrate sustainably while keeping your home—and your conscience—clean.
General Tips
- Put the lids back on the jars and bottles.
- Ensure the packaging is empty before disposing of it.
- Keep items separate when necessary.
- Ensure items are clean and dry.
- Flatten cardboard boxes.
- Check your local waste policy at “Recycle Now” or through your local authority.
Holiday Food Packaging
Throughout the season, food packaging is prevalent everywhere. Here’s a breakdown:
Recyclable items:
- Glass bottles and jars (note: drinking glasses and Pyrex are usually not accepted).
- Drinks cans and food tins.
- Milk cartons (check local rules).
- Biscuit trays and tins.
Items to place in general waste:
- Black plastic — sorting machines often can’t detect the pigment.
- Metal tubes (for example, tomato puree).
- Cooking oil containers
- Sweet wrappers and crisp packets.
- Wrapping paper with foil, glitter or sticky tape (see below).
Wrapping Paper & Decorations
To test wrapping paper, use the “scrunch test”:
- If the paper stays in a ball, it is likely recyclable.
- If it springs open again (often due to glitter, foil, or tape), it should be disposed of in the general waste.
Eco-friendly alternatives:
- Use 100% recycled paper or plain paper.
- Reuse fabric, scarves, old maps or magazines.
- Avoid sticky tape: use string, ribbon or recyclable Washi tape instead.
- Consider the Japanese art of fabric wrapping (furoshiki) for a reusable option.
Items That Cannot Go in Recycling Bins
- Nappies should be disposed of in the general waste bin.
- Rigid plastics such as plant pots, tub containers or toy parts
- Textiles and fabrics — these should go to charity shops or special textile collection points.
- When disposing of batteries, avoid putting them in regular bins, as this can pose a fire risk. Instead, use designated drop-off locations for safe disposal, usually at your local supermarket.
Need Help Beyond Recycling?
If the festive season has left your carpets or upholstery looking worn out, the ServiceMaster Clean team is here to assist you. Whether you’re dealing with stains, water overflow, or general cleaning needs, our experts can restore your workspace or commercial area to its pristine condition.
Find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean and contact them today for any carpet or upholstery cleaning needs, or book online in select locations.
