Post-Christmas cleanup recycling tips for disposing of electronics, boxes and wrapping paper responsibly - KGAN TV

Post-Christmas cleanup recycling tips for disposing of electronics, boxes and wrapping paper responsibly | KGAN

Many people spend weeks, sometimes months, gearing up for Christmas morning. However, not many think about what happens with all the paper, old electronics and packaging once the main event is over.

A lot of the time, the clean up after Christmas celebrations can get overlooked, as experts said not everything goes in the dumpster.

Whether it's a new TV or laptop that's gifted for Christmas, any old electronic can go to the Solid Waste Agency. It keeps resources that can be reused out of the landfill where they'll be buried forever.
"Some of the metal that goes into the wiring of it, when it gets taken to the electronics manufacturer, they will take it apart and anything that can be recycled they're going to pull that out of there so they'll strip down to the wires there's plastic that can be recycled they're going to recycle that," said communications director with the Cedar Rapids-Linn County Solid Waste Agency, Joe Horaney.

Once the presents are unwrapped, it is important to recycle any empty boxes.
"Make sure you're getting rid of cardboard. If there's any styrofoam, take that out, if there's any plastic or plastic wrap, make sure that's removed," said Horaney.

Not all wrapping paper is the same. Those with sheen or coating are best to throw away.
"You put things in your recycling that can't be recycled, it's going to contaminate the whole load, and none of that material is going to get recycled. So, throw away wrapping paper," said Horaney.

If you're planning on throwing out an old Christmas tree, experts said to check with a hauler to see what deals they're offering.
"If you live in the City of Cedar Rapids, you can get rid of it curbside. If you live in the City of Marion, you can get rid of it curbside with your city trucks that come and get it. Some of the private haulers in town that serve our smaller communities also offer curbside collection, so we always encourage people to use your curbside services first," said Horaney.

Experts said there aren't great options for recycling artificial trees. If you have one, you could sell it online, give it to a friend or save it for next year and give it as long of a life as you can.