The holidays are a time for celebration, but they also bring extra boxes, bags and packaging that can pile up at home. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, Americans generate about 25% more waste than usual.
The good news? A few simple reminders can help keep your recycling bin happy all season long.
What Can Be Recycled
If it’s empty, clean and dry, these items are good to go:
- Cardboard and paper boxes (ex. shipping boxes, toy boxes and gift boxes)
- Plain wrapping paper and simple gift bags (no glitter, foil or plastic coating)
- Holiday cards and envelopes (no glitter, foil or plastic coating)
- Plastic bottles and jugs
- Metal food and beverage cans
What to Reuse, Donate or Discard
- Decorations (including lights)
- Trees (real or artificial)
- Ribbons and bows
- Fancy gift bags and wrapping paper (ex. foil, glitter and decorations)
- Packing materials (ex. bubble wrap, plastic air pillows or foam packing peanuts)
- Electronics or anything battery-powered
By recycling smarter, we can all help reduce holiday waste. For more tips and a holiday-specific guide, visit https://recyclingsimplified.com/holidays/.