UK households have thrown away an estimated 168m light-up Christmas items and other “fast-tech” gifts over the past year, a study suggests.

The research by the non-profit group Material Focus found about £1.7bn was spent last year on Christmas lighting, including 39m sets of fairy lights.

Consumers bought a further 28m light-up items such as garlands, wreaths, stars and snow globes, along with 23m light-up figures and characters and 16m pre-lit Christmas trees.

The research was based on information provided by 4,000 UK adults, who were asked how many cheap light-up electrical items they bought and how many were thrown away. This was then extrapolated to the UK population – giving a figure of 168m items consigned to the bin.

The researchers said disposable technology was often powered by batteries that if thrown away or recycled incorrectly can be crushed in bin lorries, potentially sparking fires.

There were more than 1,200 battery fires in bins and waste centres in 2023-24, an increase of 71% on the year before. Many were the result of poor disposal practices.

Separate research found that 1.1bn of all types of electricals and 450m batteries are thrown away irresponsibly each year.

Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, said: “We understand ‘fast tech’ Christmas lights and gifts, and the traditions around them, help make Christmas the most joyful time of year for many. But as we reach the new year and the novelty’s worn off or the festive lights have broken yet again, why not start 2026 by creating your own positive impact?

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“If it can’t be fixed, donated or sold, always recycle them. Electricals with hidden batteries must always be recycled separately from your household rubbish and recycling.”