How to responsibly dispose of holiday waste in Alexandria
Let's tackle the annual holiday waste dilemma.
Now that holiday excitement is beginning to turn into “new year, new me” energy, an important question remains: What should you do with all that torn-up wrapping paper? And what about the Christmas tree that’s been dropping pine needles all over your rug? Here are some tips for recycling and responsibly disposing of holiday waste.
Is gift wrapping recyclable?
The short answer: It depends on the type. Metallic and wax-coated wrapping paper are not recyclable; reuse them or discard them. Glossy wrapping paper also cannot be recycled, but can be reused.
Plain wrapping paper, paper tubes, and paper boxes can be recycled. Tissue paper should be reused but not placed in the recycling bin.
Items that tangle — like ribbons and bows — should be kept out of the recycling bin. Reuse them or discard them.
Don’t forget the boxes
Remember to empty, flatten, and recycle your shipping and gift boxes. Flattening makes more room in your recycling bin.
How to dispose of a Christmas tree
Natural trees: Residents who receive city collection may place natural Christmas trees at their regular yard waste collection point on their regularly scheduled collection day between Thursday, Jan. 2, and Thursday, Jan. 30. The trees will be composted.
To prepare trees for collection:
Remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, and stands.
Do not place in plastic bags.
Place the tree at your regular yard waste collection point by 6 a.m. on your trash collection day.
Natural wreaths and roping: Separate the greens from the wire. Wire damages shredding equipment and contaminates the mulch. If wires cannot be separated from natural wreaths and garlands, place them with your regular trash.
Artificial trees: If an artificial tree is in usable condition, consider offering or donating it prior to disposal. If you receive city collection, set out your artificial tree next to your trash container on your collection day.
Private haulers: If you or your building uses private trash services, check with your trash hauler for instructions on disposal of natural and artificial Christmas trees.
Safely dispose of batteries
‘Tis the season for a wide range of rechargeable batteries to come into your home — tucked inside gifts you give or receive, or even included in holiday cards. Remember to properly dispose of or recycle these batteries to keep your home safe and ensure they’re handled responsibly.
Rechargeable batteries are found in many common items, including:
Cellphones, cordless phones and two-way radios
Laptops and tablets
Cordless power tools
Children’s toys
Singing greeting cards
Electronic toothbrushes
Smoke detectors
Improper disposal of rechargeable batteries is one of the leading causes of truck fires in the waste industry. Rechargeable batteries should never be placed in household trash or recycling. These batteries can spark explosions and trash fires.
Rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries, button batteries, NiCd batteries, NiMh batteries, and batteries greater than 9 volts must be taken to a drop-off site.
Small “button cell” batteries found in wristwatches, hearing aids and calculators contain silver oxide and mercury and must be recycled separately. If you have this type of battery replaced by a professional retailer, they will usually recycle the old one for you.
The safest methods of transporting rechargeable batteries are to place each battery individually into a clear plastic bag or tape the ends with masking tape. When carrying small batteries in your pocket, do not mix them with coins and house keys.
For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/waste/safely-dispose-of-batteries.
Recycle while cooking
Hosting a New Year’s gathering? Items such as milk cartons, aluminum cans, and baking sheets can be recycled. Just make sure they are rinsed and dry before placing in the bin.
Holiday collection schedule
Trash, recycling, yard waste, and curbside food waste collections will be delayed one day on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
The Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Recycling Center will be open as usual on Saturday, Jan. 4.
For more information on holiday waste reduction, visit the city’s Reduce Holiday Waste page.