However Green we try to be, most of us are faced with at least double the amount of trash this week than usual. Make sure that you sort your recyclables really well from your non-recyclables. Many of us get confused about what can and can’t go to the recycling depot, so here’s a reminder: 1. Glittery, foil-lined and shiny wrapping paper cannot be recycled. The same goes with ribbons, tags and most gift decorations. Throwing them into your recycling bin only serves to contaminate the waste stream, so put them in your regular trash. 2. Carefully fold up and remove the tags off any gift bags, so they can be reused again and again. 3. Smooth out un-torn sheets of tissue paper and carefully fold for future use. 4. See if you can salvage any ribbons and decorations and put away for next year. 4. Flatten all cardboard boxes and put in the recycling bin. 5. Save all packing peanuts in a large trash bag and drop-off at your nearest Mail Box location.
Above all, take the time and care to make sure you recycle everything responsibly, especially old electronics and batteries, as it makes a huge difference. When in doubt, go to Earth 911 to find out where your nearest electronic or hazardous waste unit is.
Thanks for this info -you would not believe the amount of recycling we have from our 3 kids gifts this Christmas. It drives me crazy how much plastic is used for kids toys!
Thanks for the info on the paper & tags in #1. I had no idea! Thank goodness I got to the recycle bin before morning pick-up!