This content was archived on 27th October 2019
What to do with
Corks
Corks are not collected as part of your doorstep recycling scheme. However, they can be put in your home compost bin if you have one, recycled in some stores or re-used in lots of different ways too.
Make a Christmas wreath
Start with a plain 18" wreath and a hot glue gun. Glue corks all around the wreath until all spaces are filled. Make a bow and secure with florists wire.
Holding a dinner party?
Create some quick place holders with added character! Cut a slit into a wine cork and insert a place card.
Memories are priceless
Take the cork from the bottle, make a wish that the happiness you feel at that moment is repeated and place a coin in a slit in the top of the cork! Tradition says to sleep with the cork under your pillow then rub the coin any day after this for good luck!
Or...write the date and occasion on the side of the used cork and store in a memory vase.
Use cork for your plants
Cut up corks and grind into a fine mulch - it helps plants retain water. Orchid growers in particular have used sliced cork for generations to help the plant hold onto moisture. A good tip for those of us who aren't too good at remembering to water our plants!
Which stores collect them?
Although not widely collected in shops, used wine corks can be taken to branches of Laithwaites for recycling.