Ho-ho-hold the trash! How to recycle during the holidays
The holidays are a magical time, filled with family, friends, delicious food, and…recycling! But as we gear up for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve, and all those festive celebrations, it can be tricky to remember how to properly dispose of our holiday trash.
Don’t panic! This guide breaks down your LRRS recycling schedule during the 2023 holidays, making sure you stay merry while keeping the planet happy.
What You Need to Know About Recycling During the Holidays
To maximize our recycling efforts this year, let’s dive into what kind of holiday materials are accepted for recycling. Remember, most recycling programs have specific guidelines and rules. Check your local municipality’s website or contact your LRRS representative to confirm.
One thing we can all agree on: recycling is crucial! It helps conserve resources, reduces pollution, and creates a more sustainable future. So let’s keep this festive season full of joyous recycling!
What’s Recyclable This Year?
Throughout the holidays, you will find different items that can be recycled. You might even have leftover decorations or wrapping paper from previous years! But it’s important to remember: not everything is recyclable. Here are some typical holiday materials:
- Food Packaging: All kinds of food containers and wrappers—think foil, plastic, cardboard boxes, etc.—can be recycled if properly sorted.
- Gift Wrap & Paper: The usual suspects—paper gift wrapping paper, brown paper bags, tissue paper, wrapping paper with a recyclable label—all can be tossed in the recycling bin.
- Holiday Decorations: Christmas lights, cardboard boxes from presents, and even tinsel are usually recyclable. Just double-check if they have any special instructions on their packaging.
- Cardboard & Paper: Don’t let leftover holiday cardstock or Christmas wrapping paper go to waste! They’re easy for recycling, especially when flattened.
What Can We Toss?
Now, it’s time to chat about the items we should avoid in our recycling bins. Some materials can actually be detrimental to the recycling process, and even make other recyclable goods unusable.
For example:
- Food Waste: The food itself is for the garbage, not the recycling bin! This also includes perishable items like meat, dairy products, and leftover sauces or gravy. Please don’t throw your holiday dishes into the recycling.
- Electronics: Avoid putting your old electronic gadgets in the recycling bin. These are hazardous waste items that need special handling and disposal at designated recycling centers.
- Batteries: Batteries of all types, including AA batteries, AAA batteries, and button cells, should be disposed of properly as they contain toxic materials that can harm our environment. Check your local municipality’s guidelines for battery recycling programs.
Remember the “Recycle Right” Rules!
Don’t forget to double-check with your LRRS representative regarding their specific guidelines and rules, as they offer valuable guidance on proper recycling practices during the holidays. Here are some general tips for successful recycling:
- Sort Your Trash: Before tossing anything in the bin, ensure you’ve sorted it properly. This is one of the easiest steps to make your recycling process more effective.
- Rinse and Flatten: Rinse out your containers before placing them in your recycling bin. Flatten cardboard boxes for easier transporting and stacking.
- Clean Up: Before you start, take some time to clean up a bit! This ensures the quality of recycled materials is maintained.
Happy Recycling!
With these tips in hand, you’re well-equipped for a joyful and eco-conscious holiday season. Remember, recycling isn’t just about throwing things away; it’s about making responsible choices that benefit our planet and future generations. May your holidays be filled with cheer, happiness, and of course, the satisfaction of knowing you’ve done your part to help Mother Earth!