Recycling Wrapping Paper

The festive season is a time of joy, but it often comes with a lot of waste, particularly from wrapping paper. Did you know that millions of rolls of wrapping paper are discarded each Christmas, contributing to landfill waste? At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes, we believe sustainability is a shared responsibility, and small changes—like choosing eco-friendly gift wrap—can make a big difference. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can reduce your festive waste, recycle wrapping paper responsibly, and highlight some of Beechwood’s ongoing environmental initiatives.

Why Traditional Wrapping Paper Is a Problem

Many people don’t realise that not all wrapping paper is recyclable. Glossy, glittery, or foil-coated wrapping paper contains plastic and other non-recyclable materials. When this type of paper ends up in recycling bins, it contaminates the entire batch, making it unusable.

Wrapping paper and packaging scattered under a decorated Christmas tree after gift opening. A mix of recyclable and non-recyclable materials highlights the importance of choosing sustainable wrapping options to reduce festive waste.

Quick Tip: The Scrunch Test

Not sure if your wrapping paper is recyclable? Try the scrunch test:

Scrunch the wrapping paper into a ball.
If it stays scrunched, it’s likely recyclable.
If it springs back or feels plasticky, it probably isn’t.

Avoid wrapping paper with glitter, metallic coatings, or plastic ribbons, as these are often non-recyclable.

Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Wrapping Paper

Here are some eco-friendly wrapping options to reduce your festive footprint:

Recycled Paper – Use recycled kraft paper or wrapping paper made from post-consumer waste. These can be easily recycled and are often biodegradable.
Fabric Wraps (Furoshiki) – Inspired by Japanese tradition, fabric wraps are reusable, beautiful, and waste-free.
Old Newspapers or Magazines – Give your gift a unique, rustic look while reusing materials you already have.
Reusable Bags or Boxes – Opt for reusable tote bags, wooden crates, or sturdy boxes that recipients can use again.
Natural Decorations – Replace plastic ribbons and bows with twine, dried flowers, or sprigs of greenery from your garden.

By making these small switches, you can drastically reduce the environmental impact of your gift-giving.

Sustainable gift wrapping in action: Using recyclable kraft paper to wrap gifts reduces waste and offers an eco-friendly alternative during the festive season.

How to Recycle Wrapping Paper Properly

If you choose recyclable wrapping paper, follow these steps to ensure it ends up in the right place:

Remove all tape, bows, and non-paper decorations – These can’t be recycled.
Avoid mixed materials – Stick to plain paper rather than foil or glitter-coated options.
Check local recycling guidelines – Some councils have specific rules for wrapping paper recycling.

The UK government and organisations like DEFRA encourage these practices, helping households reduce their festive waste.

Beechwood’s Commitment to Sustainability

At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes, we’re committed to minimising our environmental impact and protecting the planet for future generations. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to be involved in initiatives that make a real difference.

Our Environmental Initiatives

Recycling Green Waste – We recycle 100% of our green waste, turning it into compost or mulch to support healthy landscapes.
Carbon Footprint Reduction – By using electric tools, sustainable vehicles, and modern equipment, we minimise fuel consumption and emissions on all our projects.
Tree Planting – As arboriculture experts, we understand the importance of trees for the environment. We regularly plant trees to improve biodiversity, air quality, and community green spaces.
Supporting Local Ecosystems – Our habitat creation and restoration work supports native wildlife, ensuring thriving ecosystems in urban and rural areas.

To learn more about our ongoing efforts, check out our Environmental Policy.

Why It Matters

Sustainability is about more than just reducing waste—it’s about creating a better, healthier future for everyone. Trees, for example, play a vital role in mitigating climate change, improving air quality, and fostering biodiversity. By recycling green waste, planting trees, and using eco-friendly tools, Beechwood Trees and Landscapes is leading by example, showing how businesses can operate responsibly while still delivering exceptional service.

A collection of nonrecyclable festive wrapping.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s choosing recyclable wrapping paper, reducing waste, or supporting businesses with strong environmental values, every step counts. At Beechwood, we encourage everyone to adopt greener habits this festive season—and all year round.

Here are a few simple steps you can take:

Choose recyclable or reusable wrapping materials.
Get creative with gift wrapping by reusing newspapers or fabric.
Minimise waste by removing non-recyclable decorations like plastic bows.
Support companies committed to sustainability, like Beechwood Trees.

By making mindful choices, like opting for sustainable gift wrap, we can collectively reduce our environmental impact while still celebrating the holidays in style.

Join Us in Our Green Mission Beechwood Trees and Landscapes remains dedicated to greener, more sustainable practices. If you’d like to learn more about our work or how we can support your tree care needs sustainably, get in touch with our team today!

Wishing you a happy, eco-friendly festive season from all of us at Beechwood Trees!

Learn more about our sustainability efforts.

Sustainability Tips & Beechwood’s Green Initiatives