Eco-friendly Way to Recycle the Holidays

The holidays are a time filled with joy, wonder and blessings. The lights of the Christmas tree or menorah shine brightly, the presents are beautiful and everything looks like the set of a Hollywood movie. Then, December 29th rolls around. Hannukah has had it, Christmas was completed days ago and you’re left with giant piles of balled-up wrapping paper, boxes, ribbons, and maybe even some burned-out strings of lights.

So what do you do with all that stuff?

While some things will end up in the trash, we can all reduce our year-end additions to the landfill by taking a little bit of extra time and care, and really upping recycling efforts.

We’ve put together this handy guide to recycling the holidays:

General Information:

Trash and recycling pick-up days are on their regular schedule this year.

Christmas Trees:

Natural - Montgomery County will pick up your tree on your regular recycling day between Monday, Dec. 26, 2011 and Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 provided that you have removed all decorations, taken it off the stand and placed it curbside (but not in a plastic bag). You can also strip the pine needles to make potpourri, provide an acidic balance to your compost heap or even be in a martini if you are adventurous. The county recycles trees into mulch, so don’t forget to visit one of the county’s Neighborhood Mulch Preserve locations

Artificial tree – Call 311 to schedule a bulk trash pick-up.

Wreaths/Ropes:

If you can remove all wire, plastic clips, decorative items, etc. from your wreath or roping, you can place them in a yard trim bin, or tie them with twine and leave curbside for regular pick up.

Christmas Lights:

While curbside pick-up is not available, there are four locations (including right here in Silver Spring) that will accept your old string lights.

Wrapping Paper:

Most wrapping paper can be put in with the regular paper recycling, but there are a few exceptions. Foil and plastic film wrapping cannot be recycled through the county. However, try replacing the old newspaper that you had been wrapping your ornaments and decorations in with the foil wrapping paper, then recycle the old newspapers.

Cardboard Packaging/Boxes:

The vast majority can be recycled. Take the extra time to remove plastic “windows” (they usually come off quite easily) and be sure to flatten all of your boxes (if you don’t, you are just advertising all of your new goodies to potential thieves who may be on the lookout after the holidays).

Plastic Packaging:

Generally this type of packaging is not acceptable for recycling. Some food containers are. If you are in doubt, you can check with the County website.

Christmas Cards:

Paper cards can be recycled (as long as there are not foil/plastic inserts or windows). Photo cards, however, cannot and should be treated as trash.

Unwanted Toys/Electronics/Household Items:

With all that new stuff, you may be looking to get rid of some of your old stuff.  If things are in usable condition, donate or pass them on. You can also try websites like Craigslist or Freecycle which help givers and receivers to find one another.

If your old things aren’t appropriate for donating or giving to someone else, the Montgomery County Division of Solid Waste has a number of resources to help you safely dispose of most items.