The festive season is here – a time for joy, generosity, and celebration. However, it’s also a time when waste levels skyrocket, putting strain on our environment.
Industry-leading waste management company, Waste Managed is calling on households and communities across the UK to embrace sustainable practices this Christmas to reduce the environmental impact of the holidays.
Waste Managed is sharing some eye-opening statistics on the true impact of Christmas:
- 30% more waste is produced during Christmas compared to the rest of the year.
- Over 160,000 tonnes of Christmas trees are discarded annually, emitting over 100,000 tonnes of methane when left to rot.
- Festive packaging generates immense waste, with 114,000 tonnes of recyclable materials wrongly binned.
Additionally, food waste is also a major issue, with Brits throwing away:
- 263,000 turkeys and 7.5 million mince pies.
- Enough gravy to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
- Over 10 million carrots and 11.5 million potatoes.
These excesses come at a financial cost, as the impact of Christmas waste is significant:
- £26 million is spent on disposing of Christmas waste in the UK each year.
- Households spend an average of £400 on food, drink, and decorations, much of which goes to waste.
- Unwanted gifts, totalling £700 million, often end up in landfill within months.
Discussing the issue of festive waste, sustainability expert at Waste Managed, Steve Traviss, said: “This Christmas, let’s celebrate the season of giving in a way that also gives back to our planet.
“Every small action makes a difference. Whether it’s reusing gift bags, composting your Christmas tree, or planning meals to avoid food waste, these changes add up to a big impact. Christmas is a time for joy and giving, and we believe that by adopting more sustainable practices, we can give something back to the planet too.
“At Waste Managed, we’re passionate about helping individuals and businesses reduce their environmental footprint—not just during the holidays but throughout the year. Let’s make this Christmas not only memorable but meaningful for our environment as well.”
For more information on Christmas waste and to stay updated on the latest from Waste Managed visit: https://www.wastemanaged.co.uk/our-news/christmas/christmas-waste-facts/
