Perhaps the worst part of Christmas is the inevitable cleanup afterwards: the mountain of empty boxes, shredded wrapping paper, string lights with burned out bulbs, and the tree slowly turning from a beloved Christmas symbol to a fire hazard. But before you throw it all in the trash bin or put it in a trash can, consider these ways to recycle, compost, and minimize holiday waste.
For starters, it’s worth noting that wrapping paper shouldn’t go into Iowa City recycling bins. Traditional gift wrapping isn’t recyclable due to the paper’s plastic, metal, and glitter additives, said the coordinator. Iowa City Recycling Officer, Jane Wilch Little village.
But old Christmas string lights that are no longer gleaming brightly or incredibly tangled are recyclable. Through January 9, unwanted Christmas string lights can be dropped in Iowa City at the East Side Recycling Center, the South Riverside Recycling Center, and the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center. In Coralville, lights can be dropped at Coralville City Hall and Recreation Center, as well as Coralville’s Hy-Vees and Stuff Etc.
“If you have a natural Christmas tree without blocking that once the holidays are over you’re looking to get rid of it, we recommend composting it,” Wilch said.
Iowa City curbside recycling customers must leave their tree on the curb by 7 am on collection day. And it should be just the tree, no decorations or lights, no putting the evergreen that is no longer completely green in a plastic bag.
Other Johnson County residents, or those without curbside collection service, can take their tree to the compost facility at the Iowa City landfill at no cost. The compost facility also accepts organic material such as yard waste and food.
Artificial trees, however, are fodder for landfills. You will need to schedule a pickup time by calling 319-356-5151, and the pickup costs $ 12.50.
“We would recommend if it is an artificial tree that is still in good shape to see donation options,” Wilch said.
With parties, gifts, and great family meals, the holidays can make your home inside Mount Crumpit, and it’s easy for non-recyclable items to get mixed up with recyclables. Wilch recommends double checking what materials are thrown into the recycling bin.
“If we can keep recycling pollution low, that makes recycling recycle successfully,” he said.
Vacations are also great for generating leftovers. If you are having difficulty creating meals with leftover ingredients, visit the SuperCook website. The city also has a freezer guide that shows how long food will last in the freezer. More information is available online at the Iowa City Division of Resource Management 12 Days of Waste Reduction.
“The other advice I would give you is to consider what it means to sell, or better, or use by dates. Those for most items, basically anything except baby formula, are about quality, not safety, ”Wilch said. “Even if an expiration date passes, it doesn’t necessarily mean the food has gone bad.”
Christmas and New Years fall on Saturdays this year, so garbage, recycling, and organic products will normally be collected on December 23, December 24, and December 31. The Landfill and Recycling Center will close early at 2:30 p.m. M. December 24 and 31, and will be closed at Christmas and New Years.