Make sure you have your festive recycling all wrapped up with these tips on reducing waste during the holiday season.
While the festive season is a time for giving, that also means it’s one of the biggest for household waste.
Residents are reminded that not all wrapping paper can be recycled and knowing what goes in your yellow-lid bin helps keep recycling streams clean and effective.
Can it be recycled? Here’s how to tell
- Plain Paper: Simple brown or uncoated paper can go straight into your recycling bin.
- Glossy Paper: Unsure? Try the Rip Test—if it tears easily, it’s recyclable. If it stretches, it likely contains plastic and belongs in general waste.
- Shiny or Sparkly Paper: Glitter, foil, and metallic finishes make paper non-recyclable. These need to go in your general waste bin.
- Plastic-Coated Paper: This fails the Rip Test and can’t be recycled—but you can reuse it instead of sending it to landfill.
Don’t scrunch, fold flat
When recycling wrapping paper, fold it flat rather than scrunching it into a ball.
Scrunched paper can’t be processed properly by recycling facilities.
Why it matters
Incorrect items in recycling bins can contaminate recyclables, causing more waste to end up in landfill than necessary.
By recycling right, you can reduce waste, save resources and protect the environment.
For more recycling tips and a full guide on what goes in your yellow-lid bin, visit bundaberg.qld.gov.au
