REPUBLIC SERVICES ANNOUNCES RECYCLING “NAUGHTY

AND NICE LISTS” FOR HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

 AND GIFT WRAPPINGS

We see you when you’re recycling-We see you when you’re not!

PHOENIX—December 14, 2009—Even if you’ve been a good recycler all year long,

what to do with holiday decorations and gift wrap may present a challenge. Is wrapping

paper recyclable? What about Christmas tree ornaments? Tinsel?

To answers those questions, Republic Services has its own “naughty and nice” list of

recyclable holiday materials.

NICE    (recyclable)                                                 NAUGHTY (not recyclable)

Gift boxes                                                                 Bubble wrap (consider reusing)

Tissue paper                                                             Wrapping paper (consider reusing)

Shoe boxes                                                               Ribbon and bows (consider reusing)

Christmas tree                                                          Anything on the tree

Holiday cards/envelopes                                            Sticky gift labels

Gift bags (if paper)                                                    Gift bags if coated, laminated, dyed

                                                                                Foam peanuts

“Wrapping paper, while it contains paper, can not be recycled because it is often dyed

and laminated and may contain non-paper additives, such as gold and silver coloring,

glitter and plastics,” said Kurt Blascoe, director of materials marketing and recycling for

Republic.

Ribbons and bows cannot be recycled because they aren't paper products. Christmas trees

must be stripped of all decorations (tinsel, lights, bells, ornaments, etc.) before the tree

can be mulched or composted     .

The Company suggests that there are creative and practical ways to reuse items that are

not recyclable. For example, use sustainable packing materials when packing and sending

gifts. Instead of purchasing new foam peanuts, use shredded newspaper or even popcorn.

Foam peanuts are made from polystyrene and are usually not recyclable. If you receive

foam peanuts in packages, consider reusing them for later shipping.

For those holiday greeting cards you receive this season, recycle paperboard and paper

envelopes. If you just can’t bear to toss them in the bin, use them to make a festive gift tag.

More clever ideas for recycling and reusing holiday materials can be found at:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2454324/how_to_save_store_and_recycle_

christmas.html?cat=57 and

http://socyberty.com/holidays/10-ways-to-recycle-christmas-wrapping-paper/

Republic Services, Inc.

Republic Services, Inc. has been building on success since its inception in 1998,

becoming an industry-leading provider of waste and environmental services. The

company provides trash collection services to commercial, industrial, municipal and

residential customers in 40 states and Puerto Rico through its 400 collection companies.

Republic Services owns or operates 242 transfer stations, 213 solid waste landfills and 78

recycling facilities. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona and has 34,000

employees. For more information, visit the Republic Services web site at

www.republicservices.com.

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