Most do, although the common paper recycling dumpsters usually do not take cardboard. (Program not always open - check on site.)Ĭardboard boxes: cardboard is processed differently than paper, so be sure to check your local recycling service takes cardboard. Gift cards: gift cards are made of PVC which, one source notes, 'is infinitely recyclable, but few curbside programs accept this form of plastic - meaning it is often tossed in the trash.' Thankfully there are companies willing to take these cards, so save them up and use earthworks' mail-back program to have them recycled. Additionally, UPS stores accept clean, foam packaging peanuts and bubble cushioning for reuse. Those air-filled plastic pillows can be dropped off at any location that collects low and high density polyethylene films (AKA plastic bags). What you might be able to recycleīubble wrap: You can drop off bubble wrap to be recycled at a number of locations such as Target, Walmart, Lowes, etc. Alternatively, there are recycle-by-mail programs that accept lights year-round, like Christmas Light Source or Holiday LEDs. and all greeting cards (even the glossy kind) should be recyclable along with all of your typical junk mail recycling.Ĭhristmas lights: if there's no way to fix that old string of Christmas lights, never fear! You can't recycle them in regular programs, but many municipalities offer periodic Christmas light recycling around the holidays. Remove all extra ornamentation like glitter, foil, felt, ribbon, etc. Greeting cards: only if they are 100% paper.

So technically, yes, along with other paper. The problem is that it's low fiber content means there won't be much product left after the recycling process. Tissue paper: you'll hear differing ideas about tissue paper, but tissue paper is technically recyclable. Just be sure to remove any plastic handles still attached. (Can also be used for composting.) If the bag is made of paper and not able to be saved for future use, go ahead. Gift bags: only if they are 100% paper if there's a plastic lining, do not recycle as your local recycling facility will not be able to separate the two. Alternatively, because Christmas trees are 100% organic, they're used again as mulch once they've been chipped. Some people suggest simply placing it in your backyard with bird feeders as a pseudo-habitat while it breaks down. Save the good stuff to be used laterĬhristmas trees: most cities or towns have special pick-up times or drop-off locations for real trees shortly after the holidays. And be sure to help out friends and family when faced with mountains of used gift wrapping this holiday season. Read on to see what can generally be recycled (check with nearby organizations to ensure you're following all local guidelines). The amount of wrapping paper thrown away at Christmas in the UK alone would stretch to the moon according to official government statistics ( source) UK folks, you're not guilt-free in this one either:

Sources vary, but most estimate gift wrapping accounts for between 4 and 6 million tons of trash annually in the USA alone ( source). It's estimated that homes produce 25% more trash than usual during the month of December. Whether it's your family, friends, or friendly co-workers, there's a pretty good chance you got some holiday gift wrap you're just not sure what to do with.Įnter reuse or gift wrap recycling. Because, let's get real, the holidays are a time of decadence and waste far beyond the norm - cutting it down in any way is really important. You did your best to go zero waste with your gift wrapping this holiday season, but let's be real: not everyone else did. So be sure to check local guidelines, but here are a few starting points. Gift wrap recycling, just like any recycling, is super tricky and really depends on where you live.

Holiday gift wrap