Post-Holiday Recycling: How to Responsibly Recycle

Proper recycling starts with knowing which items are acceptable. Here are the holiday materials you can recycle:

Christmas Trees: Natural trees are the most eco-friendly choice and can be recycled into mulch or used in erosion control projects. Many Western North Carolina communities, including Asheville and Hendersonville, offer curbside pickup or drop-off locations for tree recycling in January.
Plain Wrapping Paper: Wrapping paper that is free of glitter, metallic coatings, or foil can go directly into your curbside recycling bin.
Plain Holiday Cards: Non-glittery cards without embellishments are also recyclable.
Cardboard Boxes: Flatten these boxes to save space in your bin. Cardboard is one of the easiest items to recycle and is widely accepted.
Strings of Lights: Old or broken holiday lights cannot go into your curbside bin but can often be recycled at home improvement stores such as Lowe’s or Home Depot.

What CANNOT Be Recycled
Unfortunately, not all holiday materials are recyclable. Avoid placing the following in your recycling bin:

Foil and Metallic Wrapping Paper: These materials contain non-paper components that cannot be processed.
Glittery Wrapping Paper and Holiday Cards: Glitter contaminates the recycling stream, so items with glitter must be discarded.
Tissue Paper: While it may seem recyclable, tissue paper is often too thin and dyed to be processed effectively. Composting is a better option if the paper is plain.
Ribbon and Bows: Made from mixed materials, these items are not recyclable but can be saved and reused.
Plastic Gift Bags: These cannot go into curbside recycling programs but may be accepted at specialty recycling centers.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Holiday Waste

Before discarding items, consider these creative ways to reuse or repurpose holiday materials:

Mulch and Compost: Shredded natural Christmas trees can be used as mulch in your garden, while plain wrapping paper can be composted if free of tape and embellishments.
Craft Projects: Ribbons, bows, and foil wrapping paper can be saved for future crafts like DIY ornaments, scrapbooking, or gift tags.
Storage Solutions: Cardboard boxes and sturdy gift bags can be repurposed to store decorations or organize household items.
Donate Excess Items: Leftover wrapping materials, decorations, or even artificial trees can be donated to local schools, craft groups, or charities.

Local Recycling Resources in Western North Carolina
Western North Carolina offers several options to recycle holiday waste:

Christmas Tree Recycling Programs: Cities like Asheville and Hendersonville provide tree drop-off sites or curbside collection services. Some programs also offer free mulch from recycled trees.

Recycling Centers: Local recycling facilities often accept items like cardboard, plain wrapping paper, and certain plastics. Contact your county’s recycling office for details.
Retailer Recycling Initiatives: Large retailers like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Target frequently host seasonal recycling drives for items like holiday lights or plastic packaging.

Why Recycling Matters

Recycling and repurposing holiday waste not only reduces landfill impact but also conserves resources and energy. By making eco-friendly choices this holiday season, you contribute to a cleaner, greener community for all of Western North Carolina.

Let’s turn this season of giving into a season of green! Take the time to sort your waste and explore creative recycling options to start the New Year sustainably.
 

WNCTimes

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