Separating trash for recycling during the holiday season is a great way to reduce our environmental impact and care for the planet.
Recycling prevents 73% of air pollution and 92% of water pollution. This Christmas, do your part.
Additionally, for every ton of cardboard recycled thanks to community efforts, we prevent the logging of four mature trees.
Here are some examples of what you should and shouldn’t recycle:
Gift Wrapping
YES recycle wrapping paper, tissue paper, greeting cards, and reuse gift bags.
NO recycle bows, ribbons, cellophane, or aluminum foil gift wrap.
Product Packaging
YES recycle cardboard packaging.
NO recycle any type of foam, bubble wrap, or inflatable packaging at the curb.
Christmas Trees
YES place Christmas trees at the curb with yard waste.
NO place trees in plastic bags at the curb.
Decorations
YES pack away holiday decorations to reuse next year.
NO recycle ornaments, tinsel, garlands, or string lights in your curbside bin.
Eco-Friendly Practices
YES recycle empty and clean plastic bottles, glass bottles and jars, aluminum or tin cans.
NO recycle loose grocery or department store plastic bags or plastic film in your curbside bin.
Holiday Kitchen
YES recycle clean aluminum foil, baking cookware, pie tins, roasting pans, and cookie sheets.
NO recycle wax paper, butcher paper, or cookie dough tubes.
What Can We Recycle During the Holidays?
Plastic containers: Soda bottles, yogurt containers, etc. Make sure to rinse them well before placing them in the recycling bin.
Cardboard: Gift boxes, cardboard wrapping, etc.
Paper: Wrapping paper, cards, envelopes, etc.
Glass: Wine bottles, jam jars, etc.
Metal: Aluminum cans, plastic lids, etc.
What Can’t We Recycle During the Holidays?
Food scraps: These belong in organic waste and can be composted.
Napkins and toilet paper: These products are too contaminated and cannot be recycled.
Non-recyclable light bulbs and holiday decorations: Learn about the materials of each decoration before disposing of it.
Adhesive tape and bows: These materials contaminate the recycling process.
Electronic waste: Batteries, electronic components in holiday lights, etc. These must be taken to specific collection points.
Additional Tips for Recycling During the Holidays:
Reduce disposable use: Opt for reusable plates, cups, and utensils.
Choose gifts with minimal packaging: Support handmade gifts or those with minimalist packaging.
Compost food scraps: If you have a composter, use it to turn food scraps into organic fertilizer.
Learn about your local recycling programs: Each area has its own rules and collection points.
Remember: The key is to stay informed and separate waste correctly!
Happy recycling and happy holidays!
