In the UK alone we create 30% more waste than usual during the festive period, and this includes two million turkeys and six million Christmas trees. 

Recycling helps to manage the excess packaging, wrapping, and food waste that accumulates during Christmas, keeping homes tidier and reducing post-holiday stress.

Debra Hutt, kitchens expert at Wren Kitchens, says “By following these tips, and reusing and recycling, families can celebrate more sustainably and reduce guilt over holiday waste, whilst doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Utilise integrated rubbish disposable units

Hiding your rubbish and recycling bins in the kitchen offers practical benefits, especially during the busy Christmas season with extra waste from cooking, gift unwrapping, and hosting. According to Debra, “This maintains the aesthetic of your kitchen, but it also helps to prevent pests like flies and rodents by containing food scraps, while also blocking unpleasant odours from spreading.

Integrating recycling bins in the same space also makes sorting waste easier and keeps the kitchen organised, particularly helpful during the Christmas rush with increased packaging and wrapping paper to recycle.”

Recycling drawers and dividers

Adding drawers or compartments to your bin makes recycling easier and more efficient by clearly separating materials. Debra explains that “This encourages correct recycling and when recycling is made easier, family members are more likely to participate consistently. Dividers or drawers in your bin system can be adjusted based on the type of waste your household generates most frequently.”

Repurposing and recycling Christmas decorations

Repurposing old Christmas decorations is a cost-effective way to add a personal, creative touch to your festive decor while supporting a sustainable lifestyle. 12,500 tonnes of Christmas decorations are discarded a year, which is shockingly equivalent to the weight of the Eiffel Tower.

Debra suggests “String ornaments and baubles into garlands or use them as centrepieces to make the most of what you have. Repurposing natural elements like cinnamon sticks and dried citrus fruits is a fantastic way to bring a festive and aromatic touch to your Christmas décor. Arranging them in deep or round wine glasses can create simple yet elegant displays that feel both warm and organic. These pieces also add a beautiful, rustic charm when incorporated into wreaths, garlands, gift wrapping, or even place settings and cards.”

Food storage

Proper food storage helps prevent waste by extending shelf life and reducing spoilage. Debra recommends to “Store dry Christmas ingredients like flour, sugar, nuts, and dried fruits in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Hardy vegetables like carrots and parsnips can be stored in cold outbuildings or cupboards to free up fridge space. She stresses that it’s important to leave space between items in the fridge for air circulation, ensuring even temperatures and less spoilage.“You can also freeze pre-prepared dishes or a turkey before Christmas to ease fridge space. Defrost the turkey in the fridge, using a container to catch drips to avoid cross-contamination and allow around 10-12 hours per kg of turkey to thaw completely.”, she adds.

Recycling food waste

Debra notes that most food can be recycled rather than discarded. “Recycling food waste is crucial; tea bags, coffee grounds, plate scrapings, meat and fish (raw and cooked, including bones), all fruit and vegetables (raw and cooked, including peelings), and dairy products like eggs and yogurt (except milk) can all go into your food waste bin to be converted into energy.”

After Christmas, any unused or unopened food still within its sell by date can be stored in the freezer for future use. “High-fat items like double cream and Christmas brandy butter freeze well. For bulkier items like vegetables or turkey, consider cooking them into stews, soups, curries, stocks, or broths to consume or freeze.”