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 (at select city parks) 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, cannot be recycled because it is oftendyed and laminated and may contain non-paper additives, such as gold and silver coloring, glitter and plastics,” said Dave Vossmer, general manager at Republic Services Toledo.
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 taken to
City Parks to be mulched.
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.
Republic Services, Inc. provides recycling and solid waste collection, transfer and disposal services in the City of Toledo and across the United States and Puerto Rico. The Company’s various operating units, including collection companies, transfer stations, recycling centers and landfills, are focused on providing reliable environmental services and solutions for commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers. For more information, visit the Republic Services website at republicservices.com.