Swansea to allow recycling of Christmas wrapping paper

Swansea Council will now be allowing some types of Christmas wrapping paper to be included in its kerbside collection service (green bag).

In previous years, all Christmas wrapping paper had to be placed in black bag waste but following discussions with the reprocessors the Council is now calling on residents to check if their paper can be recycled this year to make it easier to keep to the three black bag limit.

Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment Enhancement and Infrastructure Management, said: “Wrapping paper comes in many different types of material – some of which contains plastic or is covered in glitter. This is the reason why we have not accepted wrapping paper in recycling in the past.

“This year we are asking residents to recycle some types of paper – if it tears easily and can be scrunched into a ball then it is fine for placing in your green bag. If it has glitter on it or springs back when scrunched up then it’s will not be suitable for recycling and will need to go in your black bag.”

Before putting it in your green bags, remember to remove any sticky tape and decorations such as ribbons and bows as these cannot be recycled.

Christmas cards which are plain and do not have glitter on them, or include electronic parts, are also fine for recycling.

Residents can also recycle their Christmas tree by chopping it up and placing in the garden waste sacks after the festive period.

Following the introduction of new restrictions on Saturday 19 December, the Council has confirmed that recycling sites will also remain open but residents are being advised to only visit if it is considered an essential journey.

Cllr Thomas added: “We are doing all we can to maintain council services, but we need the public to play their part in keeping themselves and our staff safe and only visit our recycling sites if it is absolutely necessary.”