7 ways to recycle, or donate unwanted Christmas presents

After the busy festive time, there may be a temptation for a big New Year clear out. We get it, but it’s important to take a bit more time with the clearing to make sure used wrapping paper, and unwanted gifts, are not unnecessarily going to landfills.

So, we have compiled a list of our top 7 tips that may help you with your January clean:

1.RE-GIFTING

Did you get a gift that’s not your style, well if so why not re-gift it for to that friend who you know will love it or why not arrange a mutual swap of unwanted Christmas presents with a friend or family member?

2.TAKE UNWANTED HOUSEHOLD GIFTS TO YOUR LOCAL REUSE SHOP

Located at the far end of our Household Waste Recycling Centre, is a great little shop. Which accepts donations and stops fit-for-purpose items from going into landfills, in turn helps the circular economy. Click here to find what you can and can’t take…

3.CHARITY SHOPS

There are so many great charity shops around, which are created to help important causes, so if there is a charity close to your heart, why not take your unwanted items there for someone else to find joy in them?

But let’s not forget that not everything can be donated. The British Red Cross, which operates hundreds of charity stores around the United Kingdom, has a list of goods that they are unable to accept, they consist of:

  • electric fires
  • medication
  • objects that can be used as weapons
  • bicycles
  • prescription glasses
  • children’s clothes with drawstring hoods
  • used Moses baskets or cots

4. DONATE OLD STAMPS

Save your used postage stamps from Christmas cards and gifts and gift them to organisations to repurpose them to make revenue.

Because they are sold per weight, used stamps can be converted into cash to support the ongoing operations of numerous charities. To donate, just clip off the stamp, leaving about 1cm of envelope bordering the stamp, and take them to a local charity which accepts them as donations.

Or you can collect stamps for RNIB and make a difference to blind and partially sighted people, to learn more about this charity click here.

5. DONATE CLOTHES AND BLANKETS TO THE HOMELESS

Giving away warm clothes and essentials to the homeless or the people residing in local homeless shelters is an additional extremely valuable choice. Make a wardrobe purge, or if you received any extra blankets, giant jumpers, hats, scarves, or socks for Christmas this year that you don’t wear, donate them to a good cause and help keep the homeless warm this winter.

If you have any concerns and have identified a rough sleeper, you can telephone Blackpool Council direct on 01253 477765 or email them at HSAT@blackpool.gov.uk.

6. RECYCLE

Recycle more than just your used Christmas cards and empty bottles/cans.  When it comes to cleaning up after the festivities consider how any of the packaging you received for Christmas this year can be recycled appropriately.

Take a look at our helpful what goes in your bin guide.

7. DONATE TOYS TO A CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

If your children’s have too many gifts or something that wasn’t the ideal fit for them, you can give away unwanted toys to a local hospice or children’s hospital.