Recycling Tips for Everything from Cell Phones to Christmas Trees
Cleveland, Ohio – December 2, 2020 — Want to make the season brighter by reducing waste and conserving resources? The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District (aka. Cuyahoga Recycles) is encouraging residents to green the holidays with easy tips for reducing, reusing, and recycling:
- Bring broken, burned-out holiday lights to the District.
The Solid Waste District accepts broken, burned out, or tangled strings of holiday lights for recycling year-round. Simply drop unwanted light strings, power cords, and power strips in the marked box in the District’s office lobby at 4750 East 131st Street in Garfield Heights. Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Light strings are recycled by a Cleveland company to benefit Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s lion and cheetah conservation program.
2. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bags).
During the nation’s busiest shopping season, bring your own shopping bags to reduce waste. Folded, reusable shopping bags also make great stocking stuffers and gift bags, too.
3. Recycle old cell phones and other electronics at a retailer near you.
Each year 130 million cell phones are thrown out – that’s about 65,000 tons. If you’re getting or gifting a new smartphone this year, drop off its predecessor at any AT&T, Best Buy, Staples, Verizon, or another retailer that offers in-store recycling services. The District also accepts personal electronics for recycling year-round at its location in Garfield Heights at 4750 East 131st Street.
4. Recycle gift wrap & gift boxes.
Wrapping paper, holiday cards, and boxes that are 100 percent paper can be recycled. Don’t forget to have your recycling container or craft paper bag handy while everyone is opening gifts! Recycle plain cards and wrappings with your regular curbside paper collection or take it to a local mixed paper drop-off. Please do not include photos, foil, plastic coating, ribbon, bows, and glitter in your recycle bins.
5. Don’t pitch your Christmas tree – recycle it.
Nearly 10 million Christmas trees end up in the landfill after the holidays each year. While your tree won’t fit in the recycling bin with your newspapers and bottles, you can still recycle it. Many cities in Cuyahoga County offer programs to turn your tree to mulch or wood chips. Visit www.cuyahogarecycles.org/recycling_in_your_community to learn more.
6. Party time! Get out the old china dishes.
Avoid using paper plates, plastic utensils, plastic cups, plastic wrap, and foil pans – none are recyclable. Provide guests with personalized, reusable cups. If you are packaging leftovers, reuse plastic containers or glass jars instead of throw-away alternatives and choose reusable silicone stretch lids for bowls.
7. Recycle right at holiday gatherings
Place well-marked recycling bins next to trash cans so it’s an easy choice to recycle at your next gathering. Serve beverages in aluminum cans and bottles that can be recycled. No matter how large your holiday gathering is, encourage guests to recycle right.
For more information on these tips and many more ways to go green this holiday season, visit CuyahogaRecycles.org.
About the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District
The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District is the public agency helping the people of Cuyahoga County reduce, reuse, and recycle at home, at work, and in their communities. We serve as the leading resource in the County for information, expertise, and programs that support sustainable materials management and reduce the environmental impact of waste. Visit www.CuyahogaRecycles.org or call (216) 443-3749 to learn how to recycle in your community and discover other recycling and disposal options.
