Twelfth Night - Recycling Guide

 
Generally, most Christmas decorations are not recyclable, although a few are, which is why Veolia (Nottinghamshire County Council’s waste contractors) has come up with a recycling guide.
 
Lea Hawkes, General Manager for Veolia Nottinghamshire says “It’s that time of year when we bid farewell to our colourful decorations. The much loved and homemade ones will be safely packed away in the loft or under the stairs but the question now is what to do with the box of bits and broken ones that are languishing by the back door”.
 
Here’s some tips on how to make the most of your decoration:
 
What can I do with an artificial tree?
As artificial Christmas trees are made from a mix of materials it’s not currently possible to recycle them. However, if it is in good condition, you could ask friends and family if they want it, advertise it on an exchange website or donate it to charity. Next year, why not have a potted living tree that can be brought in and used year after year.
Fibre optic trees can be taken to Nottinghamshire’s Recycling Centres and put in the small electrical appliances container.
 
Christmas tree lights
When they twinkle no more, Christmas tree lights are recyclable as WEEE – Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. These can be recycled at all of Nottinghamshire’s 12 recycling centres.
 
Wreaths
If you had a wreath containing natural materials like ivy, holly or fir tree clippings, you will be able to compost the greenery once you've removed it from the base, provided it isn't covered with excessive glitter. The decorative parts of the wreath such as ribbons, plastic flowers and berries and the oasis ring/base could be used again. 
 
Paper chains
Paper decorations are often dyed in vivid colours and the paper has short fibres too - neither of which is suitable for recycling. You could shred the paper chains and make packing for parcels in gift bags, or add it to your home compost bin with other compostable material such as used teabags and coffee grounds.
 
Baubles
Glass baubles are not recyclable - if any of your glass baubles break, please wrap carefully and dispose of in your rubbish bin.
 
Plastic baubles are usually made from types of plastic not suitable for recycling, and are likely to be covered with glitter which causes problems during the recycling process. 
 
If your Christmas tree was supplied with plastic baubles you don't intend to use, why not consider passing them on to a charity shop or offer them to family or friends.  Alternatively, try to give them away on Freecycle or Freegle. Remember the old saying: "One person's trash is another person's treasure!"
 
 
Tinsel...
...is not recyclable. If your tinsel has finally lost its sparkle and needs to be thrown away - it needs to be disposed of in your rubbish bin. Please make sure it doesn’t go into your recycling bin as it can wrap around the recycling sorting machinery and cause problems.
 
Wrapping Paper…
Wrapping paper without glitter, foil or a shiny coating can be placed in your recycling – so long as bows, sellotape and ribbons are removed. Shiny metallic and glitter wrapping paper is not recyclable and therefore needs to go in your rubbish bin.
 
 
And finally...
Instead of buying new decorations when your old ones are past their best, why not have a go at making some?  It can be great fun and they'll be reasonably unique too! Look out for the Recycle for Nottinghamshire education sessions during December 2017 and visit us in Mansfield to have a go at making your own decorations.
 
Neil Sunderland, Assistant Logistics Manager said: “When visiting your local recycling centre don’t forget to pre-sort your waste into recyclable types before leaving home to make sure you have a quick and easy visit.”
 
Recycling Centre Opening Times
• 8am to 4pm – 1st January to 28th (or 29th) February
• 8am to 6pm – 1st March to 31st March
• 8am to 8pm – 1st April to 30th September
• 8am to 6pm – 1st October to 31st October
• 8am to 4pm – 1st November to 31st December
 
They are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
 
Recycling Centre Locations
•           Beeston Recycling Centre -  Lilac Grove, Beeston, NG9 1PF
•           Bilsthorpe Recycling Centre -  Brailwood Road, Bilsthorpe, NG22 8UA
•           Calverton Recycling Centre -  Hollinwood Lane, Calverton, NG14 6NR
•           Giltbrook Recycling Centre -  Gilthill, Giltbrook, NG16 2HR
•           Hucknall Recycling Centre -  Wigwam Lane, Hucknall, NG15 5SZ
•           Kirkby Recycling Centre - Sidings Road, Lowmoor Industrial Estate, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, NG17 7JZ
•           Mansfield Recycling Centre -  Kestral Park, Kestral Road, Mansfield, NG18 5FT
•           Newark Recycling Centre -  Brunel Drive, Newark, NG24 2EG
•           Retford Recycling Centre -  Hallcroft Road, Retford,DN22 7LE
•           Warsop Recycling Centre -  Oakfield Lane, Warsop, NG20 0JG
•           West Bridgford Recycling Centre -  Rugby Road, West Bridgford, NG2 7HA
•           Worksop Recycling Centre -  Shireoaks Road, Worksop, S80 3HA