Categories: Philly

Christmas Recycling Tips: Wrappings, parties & more (WCI Weds)

‘Tis the season to be giving… Fa la la la la, la la la la.

But what wrapping, bags and paper can you recycle? Fa la la la la la, la la la la.

Good news for you – we sorted out Christmas recycling tips for you, for what you can put in the single-stream Philadelphia bins! Here’s what you can recycle over the holidays for today’s edition of Where Can I Wednesday.

What you can recycle in Philadelphia- Christmas Recycling, Holiday Wrappings & Gifts:

  • Wrapping Paper
  • Gift boxes
  • Gift tags
  • Tissue paper
  • Greeting cards & envelopes
  • Shopping bags
  • Cardboard boxes (Makes sure to empty & flatten them!)
  • Hard plastic casings

What you can recycle from Holiday Parties:

  • Plastics: Soda/water bottles, jugs, juice bottles, yogurt containers/deli trays, plastic cups, plates, go-to containers & flatware and other plastic products 1-7
  • Cartons: Orange juice, milk, juice, soup, ice cream & other containers
  • Metals: Tin & aluminum cans
  • Glass: Jars & bottle containers
  • Cardboard: Soda & beer cartons

What you can NOT recycle in Philly’s Single Stream Bins during the holidays:

  • Ribbons
  • Bows
  • Aluminum foil, cylinders of any type
  • Metal: Oversized medal objects
  • Glass: Light bulbs, window glass, CFLs & florescent lights
  • Mixed Paper: Tissues, paper towels, napkins, wax-coated cups or containers, food soiled paper
  • Plastic: plastic foam, plastic bags, PVC pipes, packing inserts or peanuts or Styrofoam
  • Miscellaneous: Chemicals, rubber or wood

Rather than adding to the recycling pile, why not choose reusable bags or local VZ wraps for gift giving? Readers, what do you do to reduce waste over the holidays?

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Holiday trash pickup, cycling death, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: What’s open and closed on Christmas Day (including…

1 week ago

New transit hub, schools turning into housing, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: SEPTA opens new Wissahickon transit hub. The project…

2 weeks ago

Green Philly’s 2025 Year-end Recap

In a year that felt difficult, community revived our souls 2025 was a challenging year.…

2 weeks ago

BREAKING: Circle Compost merging with Bennett Compost

Philadelphia's two private composting services are now combined into one. Circle Compost and Bennett Compost…

3 weeks ago

City planning survey, bird songs as art, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Philadelphia Planning Commission launches survey to hear from…

3 weeks ago

The low-waste holiday gift guide for everyone on your Philly list

Running out of ideas for everyone from your brother to Gritty? Here's a list of…

3 weeks ago