Let’s waste less at Christmas! Packing Christmas away

Traditionally, we take down our Christmas tree and other decorations on the twelfth day of Christmas, which this year falls on the 5 January. But, whenever you do it, here are some tips for packing Christmas away

Artificial trees

If you have an artificial tree, then this means carefully packing it away until next year. Artificial trees will usually last for years but if yours is damaged or broken then it will need to go in the rubbish bin.  Unfortunately, artificial trees aren’t suitable for recycling.

If it’s still in good condition but you’d like a change and are thinking of swapping it for something else, then do try and rehome it first.

Real trees

You can take real trees to one of the recycling and household waste sites (RHWS) where they will be chipped and composted. Remember to remove any tinsel, decorations or fake snow first, and the stand or the pot if it still has its roots.  Find your local site and check opening times before you visit. Some local councils collect Christmas trees if you subscribe to their garden waste collection, see below. Alternatively, many charities collect and recycle Christmas trees, for a small donation.

Decorations

Take care when removing decorations and baubles. Anything broken with sharp edges should be carefully wrapped before disposing of in the rubbish bin.

Christmas tree lights

It’s worth taking some care when packing your lights away to prevent them becoming tangled. A bit of extra time now to store them well will make it so much easier to put them up next year. For tips on packing away your lights watch the YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/shorts/c16YC3ExLpg.

If your lights are damaged and not working, why not see if they can be repaired before throwing them out? For further guidance visit www.ifixit.com/Device/Christmas_Lights/ or take them along to a local fixer group or repair café. See www.communityrepairnetwork.org.uk/find/ to find a repair café near you.

If they can’t be fixed, please don’t put them in your recycling bin. Anything electrical should always be taken to a dedicated collection point for recycling.  To find your nearest collection point, see www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk.

Batteries

Batteries should also go to a dedicated collection point. Check where you can recycle yours using the recycling locator.

Never throw batteries in your normal recycling or rubbish bin, as hidden or loose batteries can cause fires. If you can’t remove the batteries from an item then take the whole item to a dedicated recycling point, as above.

Christmas food

Try to make the most of your freezer because it can help you to extend the life of many foods. However, do remember to use up any food that you froze over the festive period and if you’re lacking in creative inspiration, then check out the Foods and recipes section of Love Food Hate Waste.com, where you can search for recipe ideas for the individual ingredients that you want to use up.

Unwanted gifts

If you’ve received a gift that you think you’re unlikely to use, then consider if it’s something you could sensitively regift to someone else. You do need to give it some thought to ensure you don’t cause any offence and that the gift will be appreciated, but if it saves it from going to waste or from cluttering up your house then regifting can be beneficial.

Alternatively, look out for a swap event, where you take items along and swap them for something else. Or why not have a go at organising you own? See our Give or Take toolkit for further guidance on how to run your own event.

Disposing of real Christmas trees

When recycling your tree, please remember to remove any tinsel, decorations, or fake snow first, along with the stand or the pot if it still has its roots. Please note that the following guidance was correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.

Check with Leicestershire County Council regarding recycling and household waste sites.

Please check with your District / Borough Council for updates relating to kerbside waste collection services.