Overview
- Only wrapping paper and cards made entirely of paper are recyclable, while foiled, plastic‑coated or glittered items should go in general waste.
- The scrunch test helps households check quickly: paper that stays balled up can be recycled, but paper that springs back likely contains plastic.
- Local guidance varies, with St Helens advising that most wrapping, gift bags and cards go in general waste unless plain paper, while Manchester accepts paper‑only items once decorations are removed.
- Waste operators urge residents to remove sticky tape, ribbons, bows and other non‑paper decorations before placing paper in recycling, and to reuse intact wrap and gift bags where possible.
- Experts highlight that glitter acts like microplastic that contaminates recycling streams, and some point to biodegradable or homemade alternatives such as CSIRO’s edible glitter recipe.