There’s always a lot of waste around after Christmas; things like Christmas cards and wrapping paper, not to mention the Christmas tree, all need to be disposed of somehow. Fortunately, you can do your bit for the environment by making sure that these things are recycled. A word of warning, though, not all types of wrapping and cards can be recycled, so be vigilant about what you put into recycling bins.
During the Christmas period, we use 8,000 tonnes of wrapping paper to brighten the gifts we give to family and friends. Fortunately, normal paper Christmas wrapping can be recycled without any problems, but shiny or metallic wrapping cannot. In terms of Christmas cards, did you know that over 1 billion cards will end up in landfill this year? That’s the equivalent of 17 cards for every man, woman and child in the United Kingdom! Cards that are shiny, metallic or have glitter on them are much harder to recycle, however, and some local councils will not accept them for recycling.
Over 400,000 Christmas trees are purchased over the festive period, creating 8,000 tonnes of waste. Many of these trees will end up in landfill. Real Christmas trees can be recycled whereas artificial trees that you may wish to dispose of because they’ve become shabby or broken, cannot. This is due to the variety and combination of materials used in their manufacture.
We have provided guidelines for our council area here in Monmouthshire, so you know how and where to recycle these items.
Real Christmas Trees
These can be taken to the recycling centre or, if you have registered for Garden Waste Service (for which there is a fee) you should chop up the tree into small pieces and place into the brown bags for collection.
Christmas Cards
Please place in red bags
Christmas Wrapping
Please place in red bags
List of Recycling Points:
- Castle Street Car Park
- Fairfield Car Park
- Waitrose Car Park
The Staffed Recycling Centre for Abergavenny is located in Llanfoist – Heads of the Valleys Road, A465 access via Merthyr Road. NP7 9AQ. Telephone: 01633 644705.
The centre is open 7 days a week from 8am – 6pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day)
