A refuse collector from St Helens Borough Council has urged residents not to recycle Christmas wrapping paper, gift bags and cards that contain foil, plastic, glitter or glue.
Speaking on the council's TikTok account, refuse worker Danny explained that these items must go in the general waste bin, as they are not recyclable due to their materials and adhesives.
Recycling experts at Kingfisher Direct advise a simple scrunch test: if wrapping paper stays scrunched after being balled up, it is likely recyclable; if it springs back, it probably contains non-recyclable materials.
Ryanvir Kaila from Kingfisher Direct emphasised that paper with glitter, foil or sticky tape cannot be recycled even if it passes the scrunch test, and recommended reusing intact wrapping paper where possible.
Residents are reminded to check with their local council, as recycling rules vary across the UK.
