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Get Your Family Ready for Post-Holiday Recycling
Cleaning up after the holidays can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Getting the whole family involved helps make it easier to clean up the holiday explosion. This is a great way to spend time together and to learn some great recycling habits.Byline: BTB Editor
December 17, 2020 / Time to read: 5 minIn a few weeks, many of us will face some major post-holiday clutter. After the wrapping paper comes off and the decorations come down, all that remains is an avalanche of... stuff. According to the
To help make sure you and your family are prepared to tackle the mess, we've compiled six steps to manage post-holiday sorting,
1. Categorize holiday items
After you put away gifts and decorations, create a sorting station and ask the entire family to help sort the remaining items that need to be cleaned up. Organize items by categories like plastic,
2. Check the recycling list
Once you categorize items, assign every family member a category (or two!) as their zone. Wondering what
3. Determine what can be recycled
Pop on a fun playlist and jam out while each person sorts through their category to find recyclable items. Make it fun by creating a competition. After everyone completes their sorting, review each zone. The person with the most accurately sorted zone could win a prize, like picking the movie night selection.
4. Separate recyclables from non-recyclables
Set aside the sorted recyclable items. Pause to properly break down any boxes (remove plastic windows from boxes before recycling), remove gift tags from recyclable wrapping paper and make sure everything is
5. Save reusable items for next year
Send everyone back to their zone and crank up the music. Now that the recyclables have been properly sorted, you can look through what’s left and determine if you can reuse anything you couldn’t recycle. Items like foam packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and gift bags that are coated, laminated, or dyed can be reused. Remember, not all wrapping paper is recyclable. For instance, metallic wrapping paper can’t be recycled, but it can be reused for crafting. Get inspired
6. Take out the garbage
Finally! After exploring donation or reuse options — like a local Buy Nothing group — place whatever's left in your garbage bin.
Make way for a fresh, new year
Cleaning up after the holidays can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Getting the whole family involved makes it easier to get the job done and learn some great recycling habits together.
