Post-holiday recycling tips

An average of 1 million tons of additional waste are produced each week during the holiday season. Whether it’s packaging materials, items that can’t be donated or single use items, we can all work to reduce our waste this time of year!

Recycling Reminders

• Wrapping Paper – Wrapping paper is usually only accepted for recycling for the two weeks after Christmas. Recycling mills anticipate that there is going to be a large amount of wrapping paper in the waste stream this time of year and accept it for recycling so it is not all landfilled.

To recycle your wrapping paper, fold and place it in your recycling bin loosely with the rest of your recyclables. Do not place it in a bag or tie it together with string. Foil/metallic wrapping paper, tissue paper, cellophane, ribbons and bows are not recyclable and should be placed in your garbage when you are no longer able to reuse them.

• Gift Bags – Plain paper gift bags are accepted for recycling. Gift bags with different layers or gift bags decorated with ribbons, glitter and foil are not accepted for recycling. Reuse these items or place them in your garbage for disposal. Greeting cards and envelopes are accepted for recycling, just be sure to remove any gifts that could be inside before placing them in your recycling bin.

• Decorations – Always try to reuse or donate decorations before throwing them away. String lights are a common tangler that we see a lot at the recycling center. Do not place these items in your recycling bin. Blow-up decorations, wreaths, garlands and artificial Christmas trees are not accepted for recycling and should be disposed of as garbage.

• Christmas Trees – Live Christmas trees can be composted. Some regions use them to rebuild habitat for wildlife. Check with your municipality or waste hauler to see if or when they will be offering curbside collection.

• Fireworks – Fireworks can remain hazardous even after they have been lit. To ensure everyone’s safety, be sure to dispose of these items properly. First, soak the fireworks in water for at least 15 minutes. After soaking, place them in a plastic bag so they do not dry out. Then, place the bag of fireworks in your garbage bin, not your recycling bin.

Sustainability Tips for Next Year

• Gift-giving – Give experiences, choose gifts with minimal or recyclable packaging, shop locally and wrap gifts with reusable materials.

• Decorating – Save energy by using LED string lights, decorate with natural items like pine boughs, reuse ornaments and decorations and avoid single use décor items like confetti and tinsel.

• Food Prep & Planning – Plan meals around the number of people that you are hosting, encourage guests to bring their own containers for any leftovers and collect food scraps for composting.