Recycling Bin “Do’s” and “Don’ts” – Holiday Edition:
- String Lights: DO NOT include. Damaged LED holiday lights can be accepted with electronics at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center. Non-LED style light strands are also accepted, but must have the bulbs removed. Some retail stores and online outlets such as HolidayLEDs.com may accept complete older style light strands.
- Wrapping Paper: DO NOT include metallic, glittery, or foil-lined papers. DO include other wrapping papers by folding into flat sheets before recycling.
- Ribbons & Bows: DO NOT include. They get tangled around recycling machinery and contaminate other materials.
- Tissue Paper: DO NOT include. Save tissue paper in good condition to reuse next year.
- Gift Bags: DO NOT include glittery, metallic, or foil-lined bags. Save gift bags in good condition to reuse next year.
- Foam Packaging or Packing Peanuts: DO NOT include. These items need to be disposed of in your trash bin.
- Plastic Shipping Envelopes: DO NOT include. Some plastic shipping envelopes can be recycled at Return-to-Retail drop-off programs.
- Holiday Cards: DO NOT include cards with glittery, metallic, or foil elements, or cards with electronics and batteries like musical greeting cards. DO include all others.
- Cardboard Boxes: DO recycle! Flatten boxes to save space.
Other Holiday Waste Reduction Tips:
- Purchase wrapping paper, cards, and gifts made with recycled content.
- Gift personal belongings that you no longer use.
- Wrap gifts with newspaper and pages from old magazines.
- Opt for reusable gift bags and wraps instead of single-use wrapping paper.
- Gift experiences or services instead of things.
- Buy used and local to support your community’s economy and check out materials exchange groups on social media.
- Teach your family and friends how to recycle right during cleanup. Offer prizes for correct answers.
