Trees, fairy lights and wrapping paper: How to recycle your Christmas waste

For all its cheer, Christmas can also generate a considerable amount of waste – from wrapping paper and Christmas trees and fairy lights.

Here are some tips to help with the January clean-up.

Christmas trees and decorations

Real Christmas trees can be shredded into chippings, mulch or compost to use in gardens, local parks, woodland areas, or farmland.

Many local authorities set up Christmas tree recycling points in early January. / Credit: istock

Check your local authority website for what they offer in your area, but most will do one or more of the following:

Collect trees for free from the boundary of your property on specific dates or as part of your weekly collection (usually cut in half or broken down)
Remove Christmas trees as part of green garden waste collection services (only applies to households who have signed up)
Provide designated Christmas tree drop-off points (or temporary green garden waste sites) in early January
Allow Christmas trees to be taken to local waste and recycling centres

It is important to strip the tree of all decorations and any pots or stands before collection. Some organisations will also request that the tree be cut in half or broken down.

For those with gardens, the Royal Horticultural Society recommends cutting up your tree into sticks and stacking in an appropriate place to rot.

RHS Chief Botanist Guy Barter said: “The rotting tree fragments support many insects and other wildlife, as well as improving the soil and feeding nearby plants.”

He also pointed out that Christmas trees are a highly nutritious treat for goats, donkeys, alpacas, and some zoo animals. Because of this, some animal sanctuaries, farms, zoos, and rescue centres request donations of Christmas trees at the end of the season.

Batter-operated fairy lights. / Credit: istock

New research from the Recycle Your Electricals campaign has revealed that an incredible £1.7 billion was spent on ‘FastTech’ Christmas lights (and the batteries for them) ahead of Christmas 2024 – and most of those ended up in the bin, causing hundreds of battery fires across the UK.

Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus, which runs the Recycle Your Electricals campaign, said: “We understand FastTech Christmas lights and gifts, and the traditions around them, help make Christmas the most joyful time of year for many.

“But as we reach the new year the novelty’s worn off or the festive lights have broken yet again, why not start 2026 by creating your own positive impact?

“If it can’t be fixed, donated or sold, always recycle them. Electricals with hidden batteries must always be recycled separately from your household rubbish and recycling. “

Most local authorities collect small electrical items or provide special small electrical collection bins at other sites.

Tinsel is non-recyclable. Ideally, it should be stored for reuse next year.

However, if you are having a clear-out, it is important to put tinsel in your general waste bin or bag.

Wrapping Paper and Christmas cards

Wrapping can only be recycled if it is made from paper without any foil, lamination or glitter.

Remove sticky tape, ribbon, and decorations before placing them in your recycling bin.

Similarly, Christmas cards can only be recycled if they do not have metallic, glitter or plastic embellishments.

Checking for recycling symbols before disposing of cards.

Remember to break down and flatten boxes before putting them out for recycling, and ensure they are dry and free from food residue.