Holiday Recycling Tips from Experts
The holiday season is a time of joy, festivities, and giving. However, it also generates a staggering amount of holiday waste. Between wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, holiday lights, and food waste, trash can easily pile up, overwhelming homes and contributing to overflowing landfills.
The good news is that with a little awareness and effort, you can celebrate sustainably this year. Our experts help you by providing their top 10 holiday recycling tips for a greener holiday season!
Not all wrapping paper can be recycled. If it’s glossy, foil-lined, or covered in glitter, it’s not suitable for the recycling bin. Stick to recyclable gift wrap made of paper. You can also get creative by reusing materials like old newspapers, paper bags, or fabric to wrap gifts.
Tip: Conduct the “scrunch test.” If the paper holds its shape after being crumpled, it’s recyclable.
The holiday season means a surge in online shopping and shipping, leaving households with plenty of cardboard boxes. Break down boxes and remove any plastic packaging before placing them in the recycling bin. Better yet, save boxes for future use or donate them to someone who needs them.
Tip: Flatten boxes to save space in the recycling bin.
If you opt for a real Christmas tree, don’t let it end up in the landfill. Many cities offer tree recycling programs, turning trees into mulch or compost. Artificial trees, on the other hand, should be reused for as many years as possible.
Tip: Contact your local recycling partnership or municipality to find tree drop-off locations.
Those festive Christmas cards and gift boxes can be recycled if they’re made of plain paper. However, remove embellishments like glitter, ribbons, and plastic components first. The same goes for gift packaging – reuse where you can and recycle clean paper materials.
Tip: Save high-quality gift bags and gift boxes to use next year.
Old, tangled holiday lights and Christmas lights can’t go in the regular recycling bin. Instead, look for special e-waste recycling programs or drop-off points for string lights. Many hardware stores and retailers offer recycling initiatives during the holiday season.
Tip: Upgrade to energy-efficient LED lights to reduce energy consumption.
Plastic bags are a major source of waste and can’t be recycled curbside. Use reusable cloth bags for shopping and gifting during the holidays. If you have plastic bags, drop them off at special recycling locations, often available at grocery stores.
Tip: Keep reusable bags handy for holiday shopping trips.
The holidays are notorious for excess food waste. Plan your meals carefully, store leftovers properly, and get creative with recipes for holiday leftovers. Compost food scraps like fruit peels, vegetable trimmings, and coffee grounds instead of throwing them in the trash.
Tip: Share surplus food with neighbors or donate to local food banks.
Think before you toss when it’s time to replace broken or outdated holiday decorations and ornaments. Donate items in good condition to thrift stores, and recycle materials like glass, metal, and paper when possible.
Tip: DIY ornaments from recyclable materials make for a fun family activity.
The packaging for holiday goods, gift cards, and presents can be a big source of waste. Choose minimal packaging, reusable materials, or gift bags that can be saved and reused. Even small steps, like skipping plastic ribbons, can make a big difference.
Tip: Give experiences instead of physical gifts to cut down on waste.
The end of the holiday season doesn’t mean waste management efforts should stop. As you prepare for the New Year, resolve to make recycling and sustainable habits a regular part of your routine. Sort waste properly, reuse items, and spread awareness in your community.
Tip: Partner with organizations like your local recycling partnership to stay informed about recycling best practices.
Happy Holidays and Happy Planet!
Reducing holiday waste doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy and traditions of the season. Small, mindful changes can have a positive impact on the planet. By focusing on sustainable practices during the holidays, we can keep waste out of landfills and set a greener example for future generations.
From minimizing trash to proper disposal, these holiday recycling tips will help you celebrate a cleaner holiday season. Additionally, The Pick-Up Artist Junk Removal is your best choice if you are looking for green junk removal options. We recycle up to 60% of what we haul. Make your consultations today!