[CS] What to do with Christmas packaging and how best to recycle it?

After Christmas, we are left with a huge amount of boxes and wrapping paper at home. The question is, what to do with it? The first option is to sort it into a container. But which one? And what are the other options for recycling Christmas packaging?

How to sort Christmas packaging: focus on paper

If you decide to throw away your Christmas paper, you need to know that not all of it can be recycled. This is because most contain a high percentage of colour, are coated and are made from different materials.

Packaging is included in mixed municipal waste:

• Coated paper.
• Waxed paper.
• Glossy paper with a special coating.
• Translucent paper.
• Polluted wrapping paper.

But there are also wrapping papers available that are more environmentally friendly and can be recycled. However, there are also some that are decorated with different motifs and are not so austere. You can also use plain brown wrapping paper, which you can decorate according to your own imagination.

The following items belong in the sorted paper container:

• Uncoated wrapping paper.
• Handmade wrapping paper.
• Paper that is not soiled.

Wrapping paper doesn’t have to go straight into the bin

If you’re sorry to throw that beautiful, shiny, colourful wrapping paper in the bin, you can put it to another use.

Tips on how to use used Christmas paper:

• As a filling material for boxes.
• For various creative creations (e.g. cards, bookmarks, confetti or Christmas chains).
• For making book covers or textbooks.

Where to throw away cardboard boxes?

Cardboard boxes belong in the blue paper bin. However, it is advisable to break them down carefully first, as otherwise they take up too much space. The pieces of cardboard that remain on the boxes do not interfere with the sorting process. However, be careful if the boxes are heavily soiled or greasy. In this case, dispose of them in the municipal waste.

Another option is to donate the boxes, for example, to a local e-shop that could make further use of them. You can find a list of places online where you can take the boxes. However, they must not be damaged.

Home recycling of cardboard boxes

If you have enough space, keep a few boxes. They are useful for storing various things, food or when you need to send a parcel. You’ll appreciate the larger ones if you’re moving. To keep the boxes from getting in the way too much, break them apart and store them folded or put them inside each other.

What to do next with cardboard boxes:

• Suitable for creating with children and for so-called DIY projects (photo frames, masks, dollhouses, etc.)
• They can be used to make various closet organizers.

Packaging and recycling symbols

The following abbreviations are most commonly encountered:

• PAP – paper
• GL – glass
• PET, PP or PS – different types of plastic
• ALU – aluminium
• PAP – beverage cartons

The markings on the recycling packaging tell you where each product belongs. These marks tell you what material the product is made of and which container it can be disposed of in.