Ah, the holidaysa time for celebration, family, and garbage.
Department of Agriculture,Americans churned through over five million Christmas trees in 2017 alone.
In this instance, its always good to do an online search for your programs rules to be sure.
Cardboard boxes
Last week, wediscussed the problem Amazons cardboard boxeshave created for recycling facilities everywhere.
But keep in mind that your boxes should not come into contact with any other soiled recyclables.
If they become contaminated, they may no longer be considered recyclable.
(This is why pizza boxes are rarely recyclable.)
And dont forget to break them down, too, using a pair of scissors or a box cutter.
This makes it easier for your curbside program to collect them in bulk.
The verdict:Recycle if its clean.
You should absolutelynotrecycle any laminated wrapping paper, the kind with a shiny surface.
On the other hand, un-laminated, plain paper is generally recyclable.
The verdict:Trash if its shiny or has glitter.
Bows and ribbons
Dont do it.
The verdict:Trash.
Some Target and Whole Food stores, for instance, might accept them at store-front containers.
(Theyll likely accept any single-use plastic bags, too.)
To find a drop-off location near you, use thePlastic Film Recyclingssearch locator and input your zip code.
And call ahead, to be sure.
The verdict:Recycle via drop-off location.
The verdict:Recycle if plain.
Trees
Christmas trees can be recycled, too, though it largely depends on your local resources.
As a last resort, useEarth911’s search locatorto find a nearby collection site.
The verdict:Recycle if you’re able to.
