Media Centre

WRAP works with global media outlets, daily.

We provide soundbites, briefings, opinions, insights, commentary, and the latest data — we’ve got evidence of what works, and why.

We can work to tight deadlines, and can talk authoritatively both about circular living, from a global perspective.

We have technical experts who can explain the science of resource efficiency and climate change in forensic detail — and speakers who’ll bring a subject to life in a matter of  minutes, for a home audience.

Why WRAP?

WRAP’s world-leading work has been protecting the natural environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing people’s lives for more than twenty years. Today, we’re helping hundreds of partners in countries and continents across the world.

We’re a unique, not-for-profit, independent body, operating between government, industry, business and the general public. Our experts have decades of both research and practical experience. Currently, we have active programmes in the areas of food, plastics, textiles, and the circular economy.

Recycling at Christmas

Useful info about recycling at Christmas can be found Christmas Recycling Facts and Stats page

We have information, advice and guidance about food waste and recycling during the festive period on both www.lovefoodhatewaste.com and www.recyclenow.com and summarised here: Have yourself a waste free Christmas

 

Christmas recycling tips from WRAP

• Paper: Cardboard - Flatten boxes to make more room in your recycling bin, bag or box. 
  Wrapping paper - only recycle paper that’s not covered in glitter and which passes the ‘scrunch test’. Some paper will be too small to recycle - like clothes labels as there is a chance it would get lost in the process. 
  Envelopes with plastic windows – If possible, these should be removed but not imperative as can be removed process.
• Christmas trees: If you buy a real tree that still has its roots attached, you can plant it out in the garden (or pot) so that you can enjoy it throughout the year as well as for future Christmases. If you don’t have space for it, or if you’ve bought a cut tree without roots, your local council is likely to have a collection point or may even pick up your tree from your home in the New Year (check your local council’s website). Trees can be recycled into wood chips or shredded and composted. If you have an artificial tree – these cannot be recycled but can be reused! 
  Charities, care homes etc will often take artificial trees, and if they’re in good condition, they could also be resold at a charity shop or online.
• Plastic: Plastic children’s toys cannot be recycled but if they are in good condition can be re-sold or donated to charity.
  Soft plastics like bread bags, crisp packets, biscuit packets – can now be taken to over 6,000 supermarket locations across the UK and recycled ‘front of store’ - check the Recycle Now Locator for a list of accepted items.
  At kerbside you can recycle plastic bottles (drinks, cleaning, shampoo and body wash bottles) just rinse them out and pop the lid back on. You can also recycle plastic pots, tubs and trays. You cannot recycle toothpaste tubes or cling film so this will need to be put in with your residual waste.
• Glass: Glass bottles and jars (if not broken) can be put in with your recycling. However, Pyrex and broken drinking glass cannot be recycled and should be wrapped up so as not to injure any workers and then placed in with main waste bin.
• Tin/metal: Steel & aluminium food and drinks cans can be recycled at kerbside, along with tin foil as long as it’s not saturated in food. If you can put in a big ball this will make this easier when it gets to the recycling plant.
  Also, deodorant cans when empty can go into your recycling.
• Food waste:  Each year in the UK, more than 6 million tonnes of food and drink was thrown away at home during 2021, and of this around a whopping 5 million tonnes could have been eaten. However, utilising your freezer acts like a pause button, giving you more time to eat it and saving it from the bin. Not only does it lock in freshness and preserve quality and flavour, but it’s also perfectly safe providing it’s defrosted correctly. Your food won’t deteriorate in the freezer, and most bacteria can’t grow in it, so it’s a great way to buy yourself extra time and save delicious food for later!