Many collectors do not accept envelopes with paper waste because of the glue. Glue can clog the remanufacturing process, but some councils take the view that asking householders not to include them will put them off recycling, so they accept them, but it ie best not to include them. Some recyclers do not accept window envelopes, but some can cope with these.

Egg boxes are normally made from either cardboard, or polystyrene. Try to choose cardboard as this has many more recycling and re-use possibilities.

For either type, return them to your supplier as they can be used several times, provided they are clean.

Old greetings cards can be recycled in the same way as cardboard.

In January some stores like Tesco (bless them) and W H Smith provide colection points forChristmas cards. They are recycled into newspapers, towels and writing paper, and proceeds go to charity.

Some councils accept cardboard in with paper waste, and some do not - check first.

Cardboard is great for compost heaps. Alternate it with layers of green waste such as grass clippings.

Shredded cardboard is good for animal bedding. Once used, it can then be added to the compost as it will be rich in nitrogen.

Most of us now have simple access to paper recycling facilities either through direct collection from our house, or facilities at local recycling centres. Around a third of all household waste collected consists of paper and card.