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.

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