As Christmas comes to a close, many find themselves facing the aftermath of holiday celebrations—wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, ribbons, and other festive waste piling up. While it may be tempting to toss everything in the trash, experts say recycling is a better way to go for many of these materials.
Jason Hannemann, a landfill heavy equipment operator, emphasizes the importance of recycling, noting that it reduces the amount of waste heading to landfills, which helps lessen environmental impact. “The more you’re recycling, the less that’s going into the ‘fill, the less environmental impact there will be,” Hannemann explained. “So it’s definitely worthwhile.”
What to Recycle
Some of the holiday items that can be recycled include:
- Wrapping Paper: Instead of throwing out leftover gift wrap, check to see if it’s recyclable. Plain wrapping paper and tissue paper are typically accepted in curbside recycling bins, but avoid those with glitter, metallic finishes, or plastic coatings, which can’t be recycled.
- Cardboard Boxes: Many people receive gifts that come in cardboard packaging, which is easy to recycle. Just break down the boxes before placing them in your recycling bin.
- Ribbons and Bows: While these decorative items may look festive, they are often made of materials that can’t be recycled. It’s best to reuse them for next year if possible, or simply toss them into the trash.
What About Christmas Trees?
If you had a real Christmas tree, you might be wondering what to do with it after the holidays. In St. Joseph, residents can drop off their trees for recycling at the Drake Softball Complex, located at 22nd Street and Southwest Parkway, through January 26.
Hannemann explained that the city has a plan for recycling the trees: “It’s a natural product, so what we’ll do is pick them up with a dumpster, or if there’s enough of them, we’ll bring our grinder out over there,” he said. “Either grind them on site or bring them back here and they go through our grinder, get turned into wood chips.”
These wood chips are then put to good use, either on the roads during wet days or as a garden mulch for local residents. “People can come get the wood chips and use them in their gardens if they want to,” Hannemann added.
Making a Positive Impact
While the holiday season may feel like a whirlwind, taking the extra time to recycle can help reduce waste and benefit the environment in the long run. Small changes, like recycling wrapping paper, cardboard, and Christmas trees, add up over time to make a significant positive impact. So, as you clean up after the holiday festivities, remember: recycling isn’t just easy, it’s a way to make your holiday celebrations a little greener.
Leave a Reply