Advent calendars can be recycled. However, they must be taken apart into component parts and recycled accordingly. Before recycling, always check with your local council recycling rules. This can be done here.
The plastic trays containing the chocolates can be recycled; but they must be free of any food contamination (i.e rinsed) and any labels should be removed (RecyleNow, 2019a). The aluminium foil surrounding plastic trays can also be recycled; but it must be rinsed until clean (RecyleNow, 2019b). The cardboard casing casing is also recyclable; but any decorative glitter or foodstuffs, dirt or paint must be removed (RecyleNow, 2019c).
However, there are costs to any waste production:
To avoid these costs, it important that we individually try and reduce our waste production. For an environmentally friendly Christmas, it is advisable to search for and invest in a reusable advent calendar.
References
Hoornweg, D. et al (2013). Waste production must peak this century. Nature Comment. Available at: <https://www.iswa.org/fileadmin/galleries/News/NATURE_Comment_waste.pdf> (Accessed: 30 November 2020).
RecycleNow (2019a). What to do with plastic tubs and trays. Available at: <https://www.recyclenow.com/what-to-do-with/plastic-tubs-trays-1> (Accessed: 30 November 2020).
RecycleNow (2019b). What to do with foil. Available at: <https://www.recyclenow.com/what-to-do-with/foil-0> (Accessed: 30 November 2020).
RecycleNow (2019c). What to do with cardboard. Available at: <https://www.recyclenow.com/what-to-do-with/cardboard-0> (Accessed: 30 November 2020).
