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
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.
Reuse
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
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 can be recycled 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.
Recycle, At The Curb
- Greeting cards and envelopes (nothing with metallic, foil or glitter decoration)
- Gift boxes
- Gift bags made of Kraft paper, without a glossy finish (nothing with metallic, foil or glitter decorations; those should be reused or put in the trash)
- 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)
Recycle, At Other Locations*
- Plastic bags and film plastics (shipping pouches, bubble wrap, air pillows, etc.)
- Electronics
- Batteries
- Christmas trees
- Christmas lights
*The items listed above must be dropped off for recycling. They never belong in your recycling bin at home.
Donate
- Textiles (clothes, shoes/belts, bags, linens, shoes, blankets, curtains, etc.)
- Toys
Reuse or Trash
- Metallic, glitter or foil wrapping paper; greeting cards; gift bags and envelopes
- Ribbons and bows
- Tissue paper
- Gift bags with glossy coating
Rescue Mission Holiday Donations Wishlist
Never put string lights in your curbside recycling bin
Recycling Tip:
Your recyclables should NEVER be bagged. Instead, place items in the recycling bin loose. Plastic bags NEVER belong in your home recycling bin where they get dirty and stick to other items, creating contamination in the recycling stream. They also wrap around equipment used to sort recyclables, forcing workers to shut down and clear machines. Take empty and clean plastic bags to large grocery or big box stores and drop them off in the collection bin labeled for film plastics, so they can be recycled properly. If that is not possible, put plastic bags in your trash bin.
