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Holiday Recycling

When we talk about saving the world a little each day, that includes the holidays! Read on to learn how you can do your part by incorporating the three R's – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – into your seasonal celebrations.

Reduce

Reduce

Sometimes the best gifts (for loved ones and the planet) don't come in a box. To reduce waste this holiday season, consider gifting experiences, like concert tickets or dance lessons.

If you're hosting a big feast, plan ahead by checking what you already have before you buy more at the grocery store. Similarly, consider switching to reusable plates, cups and utensils at your holiday parties instead of using disposable ones.

Concert Tickets and Dinner Place Mat
Reuse Icon

Reuse

Reusable Container and Gift Wrapping

Ribbons, bows, tissue paper and gift bags don't have an expiration date – save them to reuse in the future!

You can also help cut back on waste by asking holiday party guests to bring their own reusable containers for leftovers instead of sending them home with disposable ones.

Recycle Icon

Recycle

It's the most wonderful time of the year… and also the most recyclable! As you celebrate the holidays remember that wrapping paper, cards and gift bags go in the recycling UNLESS they have glitter, foil, or metallic decorations (those go in the trash). You should also keep trash and recycling receptacles nearby when opening presents so you can separate trash and recyclables right away.

Remember, recyclables should NEVER go in plastic or paper bags. Keep everything loose in the recycling bin.

Wrapping Paper
Christmas Recyclables

Recycle, At The Curb

  • Greeting cards and envelopes (nothing with metallic, foil or glitter decoration)
  • Gift boxes
  • Gift bags (nothing with metallic, foil or glitter decoration; no high-gloss gift bags)
  • Wrapping paper (nothing with metallic, foil or glitter decoration)
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Catalogs and magazines
  • Clean aluminum foil and disposable aluminum baking trays (must be clean/devoid of food; crush into a ball to make Sure it gets sorted with metal items, not paper)
Clothing and Textiles

Donate

  • Textiles (clothes, shoes/belts, bags, linens, shoes, blankets, curtains, etc.)
  • Toys
Trash

Trash

  • Metallic, glitter or foil wrapping paper; greeting cards; gift bags and envelopes
  • Ribbons and bows
  • Tissue paper
  • High-gloss gift bags

RECYCLING TIP:


Your recyclables should NEVER be bagged. Instead, place items in the recycling bin loose - and recycle clean plastic bags at local retailers.

Don't bag those recyclables

Learn more about year-round recycling by
downloading the latest recycling instructions:


View Recycling Rules
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