The holidays are a great time to get together with family and friends to celebrate the season. With the many holiday parties and gifts, you may notice that you have more waste than normal. But there are things you can do to reduce the waste that will not only save you money but also be better for the planet.

How to Better Handle Holiday Waste

Does all the wrapping paper need to go in the trash? What about all of those food leftovers? You may be surprised at the many ways you can reduce holiday waste at home this season.

Wrapping Paper Re-Do

Think about how much wrapping paper gets tossed around every year. Instead of tossing it all in the trash, look for alternatives. Use brown craft paper. The kids can decorate it themselves, making for a fun craft and a more personalized gifting option. You can also look for reusable fabric bags. Both of these are often 100% recyclable and can be used every year.

Save the Paper

If gifts are carefully unwrapped, you may be able to save the paper, bows, and gift bags for next year. This can help to save on waste and help you save money on more wrapping supplies next year.

Plan Portions

Instead of cooking a feast for days, calculate how many portions you’ll need for your guest count. While you may want to have a little extra if someone unexpected shows up, this will prevent you from overcooking and having too many leftovers that will just end up being thrown away.

Send People Home with Leftovers

If you do end up with a lot of leftovers, send your guests home with them. If you end up with food that isn’t salvageable, look to see if it can be composted rather than thrown away. 

Recycle Broken Lights

Over the years, you’re bound to come across some broken holiday lights. Look to see if any hardware stores or recycling centers will recycle these broken lights. Light strands contain valuable copper wiring that can be recycled.

Donate Old Ornaments

If you have old ornaments that you don’t want or don’t need, donate them. Many community centers, schools, and thrift centers will gladly take these ornaments and put them to good use. This is an excellent way to make sure your ornaments are still getting good use and not taking up space in the landfill. 

Recycle Your Tree

If you get a real tree every year, look for recycling programs where the trees are chipped into mulch. This mulch is often used for parks and trails. Never burn your tree on your own, as this is dangerous and can be a fire hazard.

By following these easy tips, you can reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and find unique ways to make the most of your holiday items.

Are You Looking for a Waste Disposal Company? Call Sweitzer Waste Removal

Sweitzer Waste is your source for curbside waste removal and  recycling services for both residential and commercial customers. Call us today at 203-245-8840 or contact us online for more information and learn more about how our services can help simplify your life.