Christmas waste and recycling

Changes to collections

Your waste and recycling collections change over the holiday period. Make sure you know your revised dates and check which of our two-week collection schedule applies to your household. Download your personalised Christmas collection calendar.

Reminder: there will be no green bin collections during the Christmas and New Year fortnight.


Extra waste and recycling

If you have any extra waste and recycling that doesn't fit in your bins you can take it to a Recycling Centre (the local tip). We won't take excess waste left next to bins.

Christmas trees
You can replant your Christmas tree in your garden, chop it up and put it in your green bin or take it to your local Recycling Centre.

Christmas cards
Plain greetings cards (no foil or glitter) can go in your brown bin.

Wrapping paper
Wrapping paper should go in your black bin.


Other Christmas items

Please see our list of Christmas A-Z items and where they can be recycled or disposed of. Many things can be reused, either as storage, decoration or by taking them to a charity shop but if you do need to dispose of them then please use the correct bin.

ItemWhich bin?Additional info
Advent calendarBrown binPlease separate the cardboard outer and plastic inner
BatteriesNoneDo not put them in the black bin. Find your local recycling point.
BaublesBlack binIf in good condition you could donate to a local charity shop along with any other unwanted decorations.
Brown paperBrown bine.g. brown packaging paper from Amazon deliveries
Cardboard boxesBrown binAn extra should be taken to a Recycling Centre
Compostable packagingBlack binThis is not acceptable in the green or brown bins. For more info read about compostable plastic and packaging.
CrackersBlack bin
Electrical itemsNoneElectrical items, anything that takes batteries or has a plug can be recycled, including fairy lights that no longer work! Find your nearest recycling point.
Flowers, holly & mistletoeGreen binUnless it's fake then plastic foliage should go in your black bin.
Foil and foil containersBrown binOnly clean foil
FoodGreen binVisit Love Food Hate Waste for leftover festive recipes.
GlassBrown binBottles/jars can go in your brown bin. Drinking glasses, bowls or mirrors should go in the black bin or donate to charity.
Napkins, serviettes, kitchen towel and tissuesBlack bin
PolystyreneBlack bin
RibbonBlack binOr reuse for wrapping, gifts or cards!
TinselBlack bin
ToysBlack binSell or donate to charity.