- By Geoff Dunn
- Around Town
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Did you know that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the EPA estimates Americans toss out 25% more waste than normal. In Tompkins County, be sure to recycle more this holiday season by following these tips:- Most municipalities have programs for recycling Christmas trees and wreaths. Check with your city, town, or village for more information.
- Trees and wreaths can also be brought to the yard waste area of the Recycling and Solid Waste Center (160 Commercial Avenue in Ithaca) at no cost to residents. Please remove all decorations.
- Consider donation options for excess food items from holiday feasts and use our food scraps recycling drop spots.
- Wrapping paper, gift bags, greeting cards, and envelopes can be recycled in your curbside bin (no metallic or foil-lined paper, and no tissue paper).
- Damaged LED holiday lights can be accepted with electronics at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center. Non-LED style light strands can be recycled, but must have the bulbs removed. In addition, some retail stores may accept complete older style light strands.
- Styrofoam is not recyclable, but packing peanuts may be accepted at certain shipping companies for reuse.
The Tompkins County Solid Waste Division wishes you a happy, safe and ‘green’ holiday season.
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