Holiday Recycling Tips: Naughty vs. Nice

It’s a new twist to the Naughty vs. Nice list. Even if you’ve been a good recycler all year long, the question of what to do with holiday decorations and gift wrap can still present a challenge. Is wrapping paper recyclable? What about Christmas tree ornaments? Tinsel?

To answers those questions, Allied Waste Services of Santa Barbara has put together its own list of “naughty and nice” recyclable items you may come across when cleaning up after the holidays.

NICE (recyclable)

• Gift boxes
• Tissue paper
• Shoe boxes
• Christmas tree
• Holiday cards/envelopes
• Gift bags, if paper
• Wrapping paper (consider reusing)

NAUGHTY (not recyclable)

• Bubble wrap (consider reusing)
• Styrofoam peanuts
• Ribbon and bows (consider reusing)
• Anything on the tree
• Sticky gift labels
• Gift bags, if coated, laminated, dyed

“Recycling is important because it reduces our dependence on landfills,” said Stephen MacIntosh, Allied Waste Services’ new general manger. “Making products from recycled materials also saves energy in the manufacturing process and reduces the amount of raw material that is extracted or mined from the earth.”

Ribbons and bows cannot be recycled. Christmas trees must be stripped of all decorations (tinsel, lights, bells, ornaments, etc.) before the tree can be mulched or composted.

MacIntosh added that although it may take time to sort through everything, we can all do our part to help with recycling efforts and protect our environment.

Allied also encourages reusing 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, or marshmallows (still in their sealed bags). 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 more information about recycling this holiday season, call Allied Waste Services of Santa Barbara at (805) 965-5248.

Allied Waste Services is known for its curbside waste collection in the cities of Goleta and Santa Barbara and in the unincorporated County of Santa Barbara. Allied is also known for its excellence in customer service, competitively priced construction waste hauling services, and its trademark blue garbage trucks – many of which are powered by emissions reducing compressed natural gas. The company is committed to helping local governments and businesses reduce the amount of waste sent to area landfills by diverting waste in safe and sustainable ways, such as recycling, re-use, and composting. Allied Waste Services of Santa Barbara is a Republic Services company (NYSE:RSG). For more information, call (805) 965-5248 or visit our new website.