As homes across the UK prepare for Christmas, councils are renewing warnings about Christmas wrapping paper recycling, urging residents to think twice before tossing festive waste into recycling bins.
With household rubbish rising sharply over the festive period, waste managers say small recycling mistakes made in millions of homes can quickly overwhelm local systems. The message this year is simple: not everything that looks like paper can actually be recycled.
Why Is Christmas Wrapping Paper Recycling Such a Big Issue?
Christmas is consistently one of the busiest periods for UK waste services. Council data from recent years shows household waste volumes typically increase by around 30% between Christmas Day and New Year, with recycling contamination peaking during the same period.
According to Devon County Council, even a small amount of non-recyclable material can cause entire loads of recycling to be rejected. Once contaminated, recyclable waste often ends up being diverted to a landfill or incinerator.
Liz Jarvis, Senior Waste Manager at Devon County Council, explains the challenge clearly: “People mean well, but glittery wrapping paper or plastic-coated cards can’t be recycled.
When they go into the recycling bin, they often ruin everything else in that collection.”
Can Christmas Wrapping Paper Actually Be Recycled in the UK?
The short answer is: sometimes. Whether wrapping paper can be recycled depends entirely on what it is made from.
Most councils advise residents to carry out a simple “scrunch test”. If wrapping paper can be scrunched into a tight ball and stays that way, it is usually made from recyclable paper fibres. If it springs back, feels stiff, shiny, or plasticky, it is unlikely to be recyclable.
✨ Make your gift wrapping as thoughtful as the gift! Choose recyclable paper like kraft, recycled paper, or even newspaper. Skip glitter and foil.
Pro tip: Use twine or fabric instead of tape for a zero-waste finish! pic.twitter.com/RYDcpYUCdH
— Illinois EPA (@ILEPA) December 20, 2025
Plain paper wrapping, brown kraft paper and simple paper gift bags are generally accepted by UK recycling services.
In contrast, foil wrapping paper, glitter-coated designs, and paper with plastic layers cannot be processed by standard recycling plants.
Councils stress that putting non-recyclable paper into recycling bins does more harm than putting it into general waste.
What About Christmas Cards and Festive Stationery?
Most Christmas cards can be recycled, but only if they are free from decorative extras. Cards containing glitter, sequins, plastic gems or sound chips should not go into recycling bins.
Jarvis advises residents to tear off any glittery sections and recycle only the plain card where possible. Envelopes without plastic windows are also recyclable in most areas.
Why Food Waste Is Still the Biggest Christmas Problem
While wrapping paper grabs attention every December, councils say food waste is by far the biggest festive issue.
Analysis carried out in 2022 found that roughly one-third of black bin waste in the UK consists of food, much of which could have been eaten. Christmas dinners, party food and unused ingredients all contribute to the spike.
Jarvis describes food waste as: “The number one nemesis for waste services. People often don’t realise how much perfectly good food ends up in the bin.”
She says freezing leftovers, planning portions realistically and understanding use-by dates can significantly cut down on unnecessary waste during the holidays.
Why Are Councils Warning About Batteries During Christmas?
Battery-powered toys, decorations and gadgets are common Christmas gifts, but councils across the UK continue to warn that batteries must never be placed in household bins.
When crushed in refuse lorries or sorting facilities, batteries can spark fires, putting waste workers and recycling centres at serious risk. Devon and Cornwall councils say battery-related fires increase noticeably after Christmas.
Residents are encouraged to return used batteries to supermarket collection points or household waste and recycling centres instead.
How Repair Cafés Are Becoming Part of the Christmas Message?
Another growing focus this festive season is repair rather than disposal. Councils are increasingly promoting local repair cafés, where volunteers help fix broken electrical items, toys and household goods.
Jarvis says these initiatives help reduce waste while saving households money: “Not everything that breaks needs to be replaced. Repair cafés help people reuse what they already own and think differently about waste.”
Many UK councils now list repair café locations on their websites, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.
