Ever wondered if that pile of post-holiday wrapping paper is actually recyclable? It’s trickier than you think, and one bin man’s simple trick is about to change the way you recycle forever. As the festive season winds down, many of us are left with mountains of wrapping paper, but knowing what to do with it can be a head-scratcher. Enter Ashley, a refuse collector from the South East of England, whose TikTok advice has gone viral with over 140,000 views. His secret? A 2-second 'scrunch test' that could save you from recycling mistakes.
Here’s how it works: Grab a piece of wrapping paper and try to scrunch it into a ball. But here’s where it gets controversial—if it stays scrunched, it’s likely just paper and can go straight into your recycling bin. However, if it springs back open, it’s probably coated in plastic and belongs in the general waste. Ashley explains, ‘If it expands, it’s plastic; if it stays, it’s paper.’ Simple, right? But this isn’t the only holiday recycling tip he’s sharing.
And this is the part most people miss—Ashley also warns against tossing wrapping paper into recycling if it’s covered in tape or labels. His advice? Peel off the extras first, or it could contaminate the entire batch. While local recycling rules can vary, Ashley’s scrunch test is a handy rule of thumb to keep in mind. It’s a quick, guilt-free way to ensure you’re recycling responsibly.
But Ashley doesn’t stop there. He reminds us that holiday schedules can throw off bin collection days, so setting a new reminder is a must. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: How often do you consider whether a bin lorry can access your street when parking during the holidays? Ashley points out that blocking access can delay collections, especially when refuse collectors are working overtime during the festive season.
So, as you tidy up after the holidays, remember Ashley’s tips. They’re not just practical—they’re a small but impactful way to reduce waste. Do you think the scrunch test will change your recycling habits? Let us know in the comments!
