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Undeck the Halls: What to Do with Trees, Lights and More
As the holiday season wraps, it’s time to make way for a new year by cleaning up the mess. From trees to lights and ornaments, there’s a lot of holiday decor that should never go in your recycling bin.Byline: BTB Editor
December 24, 2024 / Time to read: 5 minAs the holiday season comes to a close, it’s time to make way for a new year by cleaning up all the lights, trees, wrapping paper, boxes and more.
But what happens when your holiday lights stop working, you find a few broken ornaments or your artificial tree has seen better days? While a lot of holiday decor is designed to withstand years of use, it can — and does — break and wear out.
If you're not sure what to do with old or broken holiday decorations, we've compiled some helpful tips so you
How to Dispose of Holiday Decor
If you're simply looking to switch up your ornaments or try colored lights instead of white, it's best to give your old decor a new lease on life by donating or selling perfectly functioning items. But if your holiday items can't be passed on, here's what to do with them.
Real Christmas Trees
Did you know that there are approximately
Artificial Christmas Trees
The main benefit of an artificial tree is that it lasts for many years and is a mess-free alternative to a real tree. If your tree is on its last legs, don’t throw it in the recycling bin! We recommend donating it or repurposing it into a
Holiday Lights
String lights should never be recycled. They can spool around the equipment at recycling facilities and cause a lot of damage. If you can’t reuse your lights next year, it’s better to throw them out.
Electronics
Many electronics and batteries can be disposed of at hazardous waste collection sites or through Republic Services’
Tinsel & Ornaments
Tinsel and ornaments are not recyclable. If you can’t donate or repurpose them, toss them in the garbage. To safely dispose of broken ornaments, carefully place the broken glass in a cardboard box with paper towels. Seal the box with tape and then place it in your garbage bin.
Gifting Supplies
While you should definitely
- Bubble wrap
- Ribbons and bows
- Gift bags (laminated, coated or dyed)
- Embellished wrapping paper (foil or glitter)
- Cellophane
- Foam packing peanuts
Instead, see if you can reuse them. If not, place them in your garbage bin.
‘Twas the Season: Make Smart Choices About Your Holiday Cleanup
While it's tempting to take shortcuts when you're tired after a busy holiday season, take the time to be thoughtful about how and where you toss your spent holiday decor. To learn more about
