With parties, decorations, gift giving and travel, Americans generate 25 percent more waste than average between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day—equating to almost 1,000 pounds of trash per household.
However, roughly 80 percent of what is thrown away during the holidays can be recycled or repurposed, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).With a few simple steps during the holidays, we can all do our part to make environmentally responsible choices throughout the holiday season and help make a positive impact in our communities for generations to come
Christmas Tree Disposal
Recycling occurs first 2 weeks of January
With a bit of imagination, your Christmas tree can be used for a multitude of purposes after the holidays are over, such as mulch, winter wreaths, coasters, ornaments, and potpourri. If you do not wish
to repurpose your tree, Republic Services will pick up Christmas trees (no artificial trees) on your regular garbage day during the first two weeks of January. All trees must be free of ornaments, garlands, lights, tinsel, etc. Trees should be placed in the parkway next to your garbage, with the trunk facing the street. Wreaths, garland, and natural décor will not be picked up. Residents should contact Republic Service at (847) 981-0091 with questions about tree pickup or holiday service.
Holiday Lights
Recycling occurs through January 31st
Unsure what to do with those tangled or broken string of holiday lights? Stop by Public Works or Village Hall to dispose of them in an environmentally responsible way. The Itasca Public Works Department has partnered with Elgin Recycling to establish a FREE Holiday Light Recycling Program for all Itasca residents.
Drop off your used holiday lights in one of the bins located at the Public Works Facility, 411 N. Prospect Avenue or Village Hall, 550 W. Irving Park Road from now through January 31st. We will be accepting mini lights (or Italian lights), C7 lights, C9 lights, rope lights, LED lights, and extension cords. All colors and lengths will be accepted. Please do not put lights into bags or boxes.
This program is for light strings only. Please do not drop off lawn ornaments, garland, wreaths, and other decorations. For more information on this program please contact the Public Works Department at (630) 773-2455 or visit www.elginrecycling.com.
Holiday Recycling
Unsure what can and cannot be recycled. Below is a list of things that can be disposed of in your recycling can and ideas to creatively use those that cannot.
Bubble Wrap, Packing Peanuts, and Padded Envelopes
Instead of purchasing new, keep your gifts safe by packaging your holiday boxes with crumpled paper, shredded paper (from newspapers or magazines), or bubble wrap and foam peanuts from previous purchases.
Ribbons, Bows, and Gift Tags
Skip traditional ribbons and bows and look for ways to reuse items you already have to finish off a gift in style. Perhaps you can use old holiday cards you’ve received as gift tags or other holiday décor to decorate your presents. Be sure to save any ribbons and bows that you receive this year, for use at a later time.
Wrapping Paper
While there are recycling friendly wrapping paper, most of the shiny and glittery papers are not recycling friendly. As an alternative, consider using Kraft packing paper, which is easily recyclable and can easily be personalized for your receiptent. Another alternative is using multi-funcitional cloths, such as scarves to wrap your presents.