Overview
- Municipal guidance reiterated on December 24 says uncoated, non‑glossy gift paper belongs in paper recycling, while coated, metallic or glittery wrap must go in residual waste.
- Adhesive tape should be removed before recycling, and ribbons or bows should be separated for disposal or saved for reuse.
- Environmental experts advise avoiding glitter papers that can shed microplastics and may contain harmful substances such as cadmium, lead or chromium(VI).
- Consumers looking to buy safer products are urged to check for FSC certification and use tools like BUND’s ToxFox app, with reuse alternatives including gift bags, boxes, newspapers or fabric wrapping (Furoshiki).
- Watson reports that burning gift wrap can release pollutants and raise chimney‑fire risk, with a U.S. fire department warning cited and potential fines noted in some German states.