Valentine's Day is all about love and making people feel special. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend a record $14.2 billion showering loved ones with candy, cards, flowers, date nights and more. When our national day of love wraps up, you may feel a little confused about what to do with all the chocolate wrappers and wilted flowers.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special someone, exchanging Galentine’s Day gifts with friends or just indulging in sweet treats, we're here to help you show some love to the planet by understanding what items can and cannot be recycled.
How to Recycle Common Valentine's Day Treats and Decorations
Not sure what should go in your trash, recycling or compost bins? We've got you covered with helpful tips for all your Valentine's Day goodies.
Cards
This year, feel free to give and send cards to your heart’s content. In fact, most Americans do: Hallmark estimates that we share around 145 million Valentine’s Day cards each year — not counting children's classroom valentines. The great thing about exchanging valentines is that you can recycle most cards. However, if cards have embellishments (like glitter, foils, gemstones and other additions), you’re better off hanging on to them as keepsakes or tossing them in your trash bin. And you know those adorable cards that talk and sing? The tiny batteries that power those cards can ignite when compressed and cause sparks that lead to fire. Dispose of these cards in the same way you would batteries — order a mail back kit or take them to an authorized recycling center.
Looking for fun, recycling-approved Valentine’s Day cards? Download our printable cards today. You can also ditch paper cards completely and opt for digital ones.
Candy
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a heart-shaped box of chocolates or some conversation hearts — 92% of Americans say they plan to share candy with friends and loved ones — but did you know that the shrink-wrapped plastic on candy boxes can’t be recycled? As for candy wrappers themselves, it's typically best to opt for the trash can since wrappers are often made from a combination of materials (including wax coatings) and some may be too small to process through recycling machines. If your candy packaging has any food residue, it must be thrown away in your garbage to help prevent contaminating your entire recycling bin.
Flowers
Nearly 22% of Americans purchase flowers on Valentine's Day. While a beautiful bouquet is a symbol of love, flowers don't last forever and they can't go in your recycling bin. So, what can you do with them after the holiday? You can add spent flowers to your yard waste or compost them.
Make sure to hang on to those vases, too. You can use them for future arrangements, potted plants or household storage. You can also donate them to a local florist.
Gift Wrapping
When it comes to gift bags, boxes and accoutrements like bows and ribbons, it's best to hang on to them to reuse for other gifts. Most boxes are recyclable, too, but you'll want to make sure to remove all shipping labels, tape, cellophane and packing material first. Any bags or boxes with glitter or foil belongs in the trash.
Takeout Containers
If the thought of a packed restaurant on Valentine's Day makes you feel less than romantic but you want to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home, there's always takeout! When you finish the last bite, make sure to dispose of containers and utensils properly with this handy guide. Remember to clean and dry containers before recycling them — and when in doubt, throw it out (so you don't risk contaminating acceptable recyclables).
Waste Less, Love More
Celebrating Valentine’s Day is a nice reminder to show your love to your friends and family. It’s also a great time to show your love to our planet by recycling your holiday items correctly. Learn more about recycling at RecyclingSimplified.com.
