It can be difficult to know what to do with unwanted Christmas decorations, especially if you are trying to be eco-friendly. However there are plenty of good solutions. Here are some recycling guidelines and tips on what to do with those Xmas decorations that just don’t make the grade anymore.
Regardless of what time of year it is, there will always be some Christmas decorations sitting in your loft, in your garage or self storage unit. Those decorations naturally get added to every year as we make more, buy more or get given more. Or if we decide to try a new style or trend and invest in an entirely new set of decorations.
It’s not uncommon to find that we have piles of unwanted Christmas decorations to deal with, the question being – what do we do with them?
So here are some tips to help you decide what to do with your unwanted Christmas decorations:
First Things First – What Is Recyclable?
Recycle The Lights
Christmas lights, fairy lights or string lights can be taken to household waste recycling centres (check before going to see if they accept them). There may also be recycling bins in common areas that accept Christmas lights, you can often find these bins in supermarket carparks.
Wreaths Are Green Waste
Christmas wreaths made from natural materials can be composted as long as glue, glitter, metal wiring and plastics are removed. Any decorative or useful parts of the wreath like ribbons, string and the base can be reused again next year. If you don’t have your own compost bin in the garden, pop the waste into your gardening waste bin supplied by the local council, if you have one.
Recycle Or Compost Paper Chains
If you have made paper chains, you cannot recycle them unless they are just plain white paper. Paper chains with prints or colours are not ideal for recycling and are probably best off in the compost bin.
Baubles Aren’t Usually Recyclable
Glass baubles are not suitable for recycling and will need to be wrapped up and placed in a normal black bin if they break. Plastic baubles, unless labelled recyclable, will have to be thrown away in the normal rubbish bin.
Tinsel Isn’t Recyclable
Tinsel is not recyclable unless the label states otherwise. If it has lost its sparkle and charm, it has to be thrown in the rubbish bin.
Ideas On What To Do With Unwanted Christmas Decorations
Upcycle
Upcycling is a popular trend now, so why not check out any of the many YouTube channels, blogs or e-books for clever things to do with your unwanted Christmas decorations. This is an excellent form of recycling and can also save you money on brand new decorations as well.
Store them for the future
If you don’t know what you want to do with old decorations, or simply want to rotate a set with a new set, consider storing them if you have the space. This is better than throwing them away if they are non-recyclable – chances are they will be back in fashion before long.
Give Them As Gifts
If the decorations are attractive, vintage or you know a certain friend loves the style of decoration – give them as Christmas gifts. A gorgeous vintage bauble or wooden fireplace decoration could make a lovely stocking filler for someone else.
Give Them Away
You could always give the decorations away either to friends and family, to charity, or to organisations that provide Christmas gifts and decorations to families or individuals who can’t afford them.
Sell Them
Christmas decorations go down a treat at car boot sales, which is great as people can grab a bargain from you, and you can make a bit of extra cash, all at a time of year when everyone is strapped for cash.
Think Ahead
Understanding that most Christmas decorations are not recyclable can be shocking for many people and cause them to make different choices when they next go to purchase new ones. Being a responsible shopper means doing your bit for the planet and avoiding sending future unwanted items to landfill.