Here’s the latest in a series by the Easton Energy & Environment Task Force to spread the word about how to dispose of different items. The last couple of articles shared information on how to get rid of plastic bags and batteries. This month brings you ideas for the holidays, which are a source of so much joy and, well, a lot of waste too.
What’s the problem with holiday waste?
It’s sometimes hard to know the best way to deal with what’s left after the presents, feasts, and celebrations are over, like boxes, styrofoam, wrapping paper, and even Christmas trees.
What’s the solution?
Here are a few quick tips for disposing of all that holiday stuff:
1. Cardboard is all recyclable! Break down boxes and keep the cardboard dry. If it doesn’t fit in your cart, save and bring it to the Trumbull transfer station.
2. Styrofoam is not recyclable in our single stream carts, even if there’s a recycling symbol on it. Please remove it from your boxes and put it in your trash or reuse if you can.
3. Wrapping paper is generally not recyclable due to plastic coating. Please consider reusing it, or else put it in your trash. Also consider using wrapping paper alternatives, like reusable gift bags, fabric, or decorated newspaper.
4. Live Christmas trees can be composted in your yard if possible and/or left outside for bird habitat. If you must dispose of your tree, you can bring it to the Department of Public Works (15 Westport Road, next to the sandpile); please remove all lights and decorations first. No wreaths please because the wires get caught in the chipper.
Contaminated recycling raises Easton’s costs. You can support the quality of Easton’s recycling stream in other ways:
• When in doubt, throw it out.
• Keep your recycling as clean and dry as possible.
• A recycling symbol doesn’t mean an item is necessarily recyclable in our single-stream program.
• Small items (less than 2”x2”) clog sorting machines and should be trashed.
RecycleCT is always a great reference to confirm “what’s in and what’s out” and to help avoid wish-cycling (hoping that something is recyclable and putting it in the cart just in case).
Keep an eye out for next month’s Recycling Tip! Questions or comments? Email the Easton Energy & Environment Task Force at eastonenergytf@gmail.com.
