It is hard now to remember a time when we didn’t recycle. Christmas especially used to mean overflowing dustbins of rubbish that were then left like that for a couple of weeks, as the dustbin men enjoyed their holidays too. You can learn more about how to use special services to help you keep your yard in order. It is very important to enjoy Christmas at the fullest without worries that can be easily solved. Now, recycling is part of our psyche and more than ever, we use it in every part of our lives, from our household refuse, to selling on our old or unwanted clothing, even extending to scrap metal from copper to  old cars,with companies like CJ Metals offering good money for unwanted cars, and also practicing ethical recycling.

I have put together a small list of things you can be recycling this Christmas. So with a little more dash, we can cut the trash this festive season.

Carrier Bags

We know that it is now law to have to pay for carrier bags, but we are still buying them. So save them, put some in the boot of your car for when you make those trips to the supermarket and always forget to take any. Put one in your everyday bag ‘just in case’. Now you are paying for bags, they should pay their way and earn their keep!

Gift Bags

I take my presents out carefully and then keep the gift bags for the following year. On average these cost anything from £1-£2 each and are used just once so it is crazy to just throw them in a bin. Especially good are the plain foil ones that can be used for birthdays as well as Christmas.

Christmas Cards

Christmas cards have so many other uses. Use pinking sheers to make tags for next years gifts, or keep them for collage and crafts with your child. Failing all that, check out places like WH Smith or your child’s school who often have recycling boxes especially for Christmas cards. Cards are just too pretty to head straight for the bin.

The Turkey

Everyone seems to buy a turkey that could literally feed the five thousand, but be creative with your leftovers. Turkey doesn’t have to be left for sarnies and cold cuts, my dad does a mean turkey curry that goes down a treat in the days after Christmas. A stir fry is another great option.

Clothing

You need to add to that party wardrobe, but your budget is minimal. This is where you can take advantage of other people’s recycling skills by checking out your local charity shops. I went to my nearest town yesterday and almost every charity shop had a rail of sparkling, glittery clothes, shoes and bags. You can find some stunning bargains, and, even if you only wear the item once, it has hardly dented your bank balance.

What will you be recycling this year?

*This is a collaborative post with CJ Metals