Waking up to a chocolate treat in the lead up to Christmas is enjoyed by those of all ages. Once you’ve indulged in the month of chocolate, make sure to separate the non-recyclable plastic tray from the foil and cardboard case, which can be recycled if they do not have any glitter on.
Alternatively, you could opt to make a reusable fabric or wooden advent calendar that you can fill with treats and reuse year after year.
Do not dispose of batteries in the general waste or in any of your recycling containers, as they can cause a fire. If you find yourself with some old toys and electronics after Christmas, make sure to take the batteries out if you plan on disposing them.
You can recycle old batteries at recycling centres, libraries, in most supermarkets or in shops that sell batteries. Find out more about recycling your batteries.
Christmas cards can be recycled if there is no foil or glitter on them. However, you can still reuse your glittery cards by turning the decorative front into gift tags or crafts for next year – don’t forget to put the plain side into your kerbside recycling.
Choose natural decorations that can be composted like pinecones, holly, and ivy, or get creative make your own from recyclable materials. Keep plastic decorations in use for as long as possible, and pass them on to your friends, family, and community if you buy new ones.
If you are replacing old fairy lights or electrical gadgets, you can donate them in local groups or online communities like Freegle. If they are not working properly and cannot be repaired, you can take them to your local recycling centre or to a small electrical collection bin in certain libraries across Essex. Find out more about how to recycle your electricals.
Tip: before passing on any smart devices, remove any batteries, and make sure you remove memory cards and SIM cards. You should also permanently delete all personal and private data.
Foil wrap, tins, and trays can be recycled at home. Rinse foil trays and cans to remove any food residue. If the foil is contaminated with grease or burnt-on bits of food, throw it in your rubbish bin.
There is nothing more central to the Christmas experience than treating your friends and family to a thoughtful gift. To ensure that the joy is felt for longer, consider gifting experiences or homemade presents instead of more quickly disposable items.
Try your hand at making your own gifts and decorations. Crafting can be a fun family activity and adds a personal touch to your celebrations. If you fancy making an upcycled gift but are looking for ideas, check out new 'Repair inspiration' webpage!
Use LED lights for your Christmas decorations as they are more energy-efficient and last longer. Make sure you know how to recycle or dispose your electricals correctly if you're looking to get rid of old lights.
Reuse glass jars for storing homemade treats, to use as candle holders, or as part of your decorations.
Alternatively, clean your glass items and check your local authority's website for information on how to recycle them.
This festive season will be a great time to join our fight against food waste! Recycle your kitchen scraps to reduce waste and create energy for Essex, or compost at home to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Support local Essex businesses for your Christmas shopping to reduce carbon emissions from transportation emissions and support the community.
Christmas shopping can be a fun, festive activity, but to save money and reduce waste, try and make a list and stick to it. This will help you avoid impulse buys and choose quality over quantity.
If you prefer a real tree, choose one from a local, sustainable source and ensure it’s recycled after Christmas. If you buy one in a pot, you could even plant it in your garden for next year!
Make your own ornaments from pre-loved or recycled materials. This can be a fun Christmas activity for the whole family.
Try and choose gifts that are free from plastic packaging. Look for items made from natural or recycled materials and help cut down on the waste produced this Christmas.
Spend time with loved ones doing activities that appreciate Essex’s natural features, like going for a walk in one of Essex’s beautiful parks.
Give refill shops a go this Christmas. You can purchase the precise quantities of ingredients you need for your festive feasts, saving you money and reducing waste.
Have a read through our recent interview with Refill Mill owner, Vicki Daws.
If you’ve had a tub of treats, make sure to check if plastic tubs are accepted in your kerbside collection. But remember that you can also reuse them as storage for cakes, craft materials, pet food and much more.
Tip: check out the “Tub2Pub" scheme to see if there is a collection point near you.
Wash out plastic and foil food containers to remove any food residue, ready to be reused or recycled at home in your plastics or tins container.
Get creative with upcycling old items into new decorations or gifts. Pick up a new craft this Christmas and add to your list of repair-based skills.
Support local farmers and artisans by visiting Christmas markets and farm shops in Essex. It’s a great way to find unique, locally-made gifts and food and reduce carbon emissions from transportation.
Rethink your wrapping by using reusable fabrics or gift bags for your presents.
If paper has glitter or foil on it, it can’t be recycled, whereas plain wrapping paper can go in your paper recycling container.
Tip: if you are unsure, do the scrunch test! If the wrapping paper stays in a ball it’s recyclable, but if it bounces back it will need to go in the general rubbish bin.
Have a look around at local Essex nurseries that will allow you to rent a Christmas tree that can be replanted after the holidays. This will help cut down on the millions of plastic trees sent to landfill each year.
At the end of the year, donate items you no longer need to local Essex charities. It’s a great way to declutter and help others. Check out our charities webpage to learn more about your donation options.
Make your post-holiday clean-up quick and eco-friendly by sorting recyclables, composting organic waste, and storing reusable items for next year.