'Think Before You Buy' for a Greener Christmas

Torridge District Council is reminding residents to 'Think Before You Buy' this Christmas and make choices that are kinder to the environment.

To make recycling easier, the Council has created a quick guide on what can and can't be recycled, helping you go greener and even save a little money along the way!

Wrapping Paper: Metallic, shiny, and glittery wrapping papers require a lot of energy to recover their fibres, making them non-recyclable. This material should instead go in your black bag. For a greener option, consider using plain brown paper or fabric to wrap your gifts.

Tissue Paper: This material cannot be recycled and should be placed in your black bag. However, it can often be reused, so consider saving it for future gift wrapping.

Gift Boxes and Bags: Boxes or bags decorated with ribbons, glitter, foam, or polystyrene cannot be recycled. Instead, give these items a second life by reusing them for future gifting.

Ribbons: Please avoid putting these in your recycling as they can tangle up machines at recycling facilities. You can instead save them to use again or place them in your black bag.

Christmas Cards: To be greener, consider buying cards made from recycled paper and avoid foil or glitter cards. Anything with bows or glitter needs to be placed in your black bag or saved to be turned into gift tags for next year. Plain cards can be recycled in your brown bag.

Christmas Crackers: If the crackers aren't too shiny or glittery, they can be pulled apart, and the paper and cardboard elements can be recycled. Remember to recycle the paper hats and jokes too!

Christmas Decorations: Get creative and make your own decorations if you can! If you're buying new Christmas lights, choose LED or solar-powered options to reduce energy use and keep them twinkling efficiently.

Councillor Chris Leather, Lead Member for Operational Services, said:

"Just a few simple changes can make a big difference this Christmas. Many people buy wrapping paper and cards without realising that some of these items can't be recycled. By understanding what can and can't go in your recycling, and finding creative ways to reuse items, we can all help cut down on general waste. Choosing recyclable materials, avoiding glitter and metallic finishes, and reusing gift bags are small steps that add up to a greener, more sustainable holiday."