Pre Festive / Winter Reuse and Recycling Tips

Here are 38 Tips for reusing, reducing waste, and safely recycling in winter, both at work and at home. These ideas can help you minimize waste, make the most of what you have, and keep the environment clean during the colder months while also saving you some money, a scare resource all year round.

Some recycling and reuse tips can be used immediately and others before, during and after Christmas 2024.   For some people recycling items might work better than reuse so you make the call! Have a look at the charity shop infographic below.

38 Winter Tips

1. Repurpose Gift Wrap and Packaging Materials. Save gift wrap, bows, boxes, bags and packing materials to reuse for future gifts or shipping needs.

2. Use Leftover Wrapping Paper for Crafts. Shred or cut leftover paper into strips for holiday crafts, confetti, or cushion material for packaging boxes or envelopes.

3. Upcycle Old Sweaters. Transform old sweaters into mittens, scarves, or cozy throw pillows instead of discarding them.

4. Create Homemade Fire Starters. Use cardboard tubes, dryer lint, and melted candle stubs to make fire starters for winter bonfires or fireplaces.

5. Repurpose Glass Jars and Bottles. Use empty glass jars for storing small items, organizing craft supplies, or creating winter candle holders.

6. Recycle Christmas Trees Properly. Check for local tree recycling programs or compost your tree if possible.

7. Make Eco-Friendly De-Icers. Use sand or kitty litter instead of salt to prevent icy walkways while reducing environmental impact.

8. Compost Holiday Food Scraps. Compost vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and other compostable scraps from holiday meals.

9. Use Reusable Shopping Bags and Containers. Avoid single-use bags by using cloth bags and containers for holiday shopping and gift giving.

10. Reuse Shipping Boxes. Keep sturdy boxes from holiday packages for future storage or shipping needs.

11. Repurpose Old Christmas Cards. Turn last year’s festive cards into gift tags, bookmarks, or festive decorations.

12. Donate or Sell Old Winter Clothing. Give coats, scarves, and winter accessories you no longer use to local shelters or thrift stores.

13. Repair or Resole Winter Boots. Extend the life of winter footwear by repairing rather than discarding them.

14. Store Seasonal Decorations Responsibly. Reuse bins, containers, and bags you already own to safely store holiday decorations for next year.

15. Use LED Holiday Lights. Switch to LED lights for holiday decorating; they use less energy and last longer.

16. Use Timers for Holiday Lights. Set timers to minimize energy use and prolong the life of your holiday lights.

17. Upcycle Tin Cans. Decorate clean tin cans as rustic candle holders or plant pots.

18. Make Natural Air Fresheners. Simmer orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to create a natural winter scent instead of using air fresheners.

19. Recycle Old Electronics Safely. Recycle or donate old electronics at certified e-waste recycling centres.

20. Use a Programmable Thermostat. Use a programmable thermostat to lower energy use by automatically adjusting heat based on when you’re home.

21. Insulate Windows with Reusable Kits. Simple to use, window Insulation Kits can help to reduce heat loss and save energy.

22. Reuse Paper Bags as Gift Wrap. Decorate paper bags to use as gift wrap or for simple, rustic winter decor.

23. Make DIY Reusable Gift Wraps. Use fabric scraps, scarves, or tea towels as eco-friendly, reusable gift wrap alternatives.

24. Donate Extra Blankets. Donate old blankets to animal shelters or homeless shelters to keep others warm in winter.

25. Recycle Paper and Cardboard Properly. Flatten and recycle any cardboard or paper boxes that can’t be reused.

26. Use Egg Cartons for Crafting. Egg cartons can make great storage containers for holiday ornaments or crafting supplies.

27. Create a ‘Recycle Station’ at Work. Designate a convenient area for recycling paper, plastic, and other materials in your workplace.

28. Bring a Reusable Mug for Winter Drinks. Use a thermos or reusable cup for hot drinks instead of single-use coffee cups.

29. Make Homemade Ice Packs. Use old cloths or bags filled with frozen rice or beans to create reusable ice packs.

30. Repurpose Old Books. Use damaged or outdated books for DIY projects like wreaths, gift tags, or ornaments.

31. Switch to Refillable Pens. Encourage use of refillable pens and pencils to reduce plastic waste at work and home.

32. Recycle Batteries Responsibly. Collect and recycle dead batteries at designated recycling locations instead of tossing them in the trash.

33. Reuse Leftover Candle Wax. Melt down leftover wax to make new candles or use them as fire starters.

34. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products. Choose biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products for post-holiday clean-ups.

35. Reduce Unnecessary Heating. Layer up in cozy clothing rather than increasing the thermostat too often.

36. Make a Reusable Advent Calendar. Create a fabric or paper advent calendar that can be reused every winter.

37. Reuse Envelopes and Paper. Save envelopes and unused paper for notetaking or as scratch paper at work.

38. Plan Waste-Free Winter Meals. Plan meals to reduce food waste by using leftover ingredients in creative recipes.

Why Tips are Important

Reuse and recycling tips are important because they help reduce waste, save natural resources, and protect the environment. By reusing items and recycling properly, we lower the demand for new products, conserve energy, and minimize pollution. Small actions—like repurposing materials or recycling paper and plastic—make a big difference. These habits help create a cleaner planet and a more sustainable future for everyone.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning not for profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop off service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). During 2023 Recycle IT offered drop off and collection services to over ten of thousands of homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of electricals which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TV’s.

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.