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Christmas waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle this holiday season
Text and Photos By PHOEBE MUTHART Editor The festive season brings much joy and celebration, but there is also a darker side - and not just the longer nights. The holidays bring a surge in waste production each year. From Christmas trees to packaging, the season can generate an overwhelming amount of waste, often without people realizing the significant impact. Christmas generates massive amounts of waste, with Americans producing about 25% more trash more than 1 million extra tons per week - from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. This includes packaging, discarded trees, uneaten food and single-use plastics from decorations and parties, much of which ends up in landfills. Tom Ganser, director of the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District, known as the KC Recycling Depot, said some items can be recycled and some cannot. Wrapping paper, for instance, may be recyclable depending on the type. “If it rips cleanly like regular paper, it’s likely recyclable,” Ganser said. “If it stretches, feels plasticky or won’t tear, throw it in the trash.” Wrapping paper that is usually recyclable includes plain paper wrapping (thin, matte paper); paper that tears easily and does not spring back; and paper with no glitter, foil or plastic coating. Tape, ribbons and bows should be removed before recycling. Ganser suggests using gift bags or butcher paper as alternatives. Bows and ribbons made of nylon cannot be recycled, but they can be reused, Ganser said. “Test to see if fiber is in it by tearing it. If it’s laminated, it cannot be recycled. The best thing to do is keep it and use it again,” he said. Christmas tree disposal depends on whether the tree is real or artificial.
Some municipalities may offer take-back programs that shred or compost real trees. Ganser suggests calling Superior Landscape Products in Warsaw, which may accept real trees. Warsaw residents should contact the city’s public works department first. “Do not throw live trees in the trash,” Ganser said. Artificial Christmas trees are generally not curbside recyclable because they are made of mixed materials such as PVC plastic and metal. As a result, most end up in landfills as non-biodegradable waste. Ganser suggests donating artificial trees to local churches or nursing homes. “A lot of people reuse them and make wreaths out of them,” he said. Borden Waste-Away Service offers curbside trash and recycling services for Kosciusko County residents. Accepted recyclable items include cardboard, mixed paper, tin cans, aluminum cans, plastics No. 1-7 and glass bottles.
RECYCLED LIGHTS — Bryan Wirth, left, and Scott Stanley, both household hazardous waste technicians at KC Recycling Depot, sort through donated Christmas lights. Residents should call first if unsure about accepted materials at (574) 293-5001. Other locations in the county also accept recyclable items. All items must be clean and separated. • Waste Management Transfer Station, 2352 N. Boeing Road, Warsaw, has a drop-off area for cardboard, mixed paper, glass, plastics
REDUCE AND REUSE — Tom Ganser, director of KC Recycling Depot, is shown in the reuse room. Items, like these wine glasses, can be dropped off. It also accepts paint and old Christmas decor or ornaments.
No. 1-7 and cans. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. • Stafford’s Solid Waste, 904 E. Pound North, Warsaw, has a dropoff area for cardboard, mixed paper, tin cans and aluminum cans only. Hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday.
• Lewis Salvage, 1961 White Industrial Drive, Warsaw, has a dropoff area for cardboard, tin cans and aluminum cans only. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information or to check whether an item can be recycled, contact the KC Recycling Depot at (574) 372-3087.
OUT WITH THE OLD — KC Recycling Depot in Warsaw accepts household appliances, including microwaves, among other items after the holidays. Shown is Janelle Meyer, education and outreach coordinator for the KC Recycling Depot.