The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and connection, but they can also leave behind a significant amount of waste. From gift wrapping to festive decorations, it’s easy for our celebrations to inadvertently harm the environment. Simply Living is passionate about making sustainable living accessible and straightforward for our community. To help you green your post-holiday cleanup, we’ve compiled 7 tips for sustainable disposal of holiday waste that will benefit both your household and the planet.
1. Recycle Styrofoam Packaging
Styrofoam packaging often accompanies gifts and holiday shipments. Many assume Styrofoam is destined for the landfill. Fortunately, in Columbus, there are multiple options for recycling Styrofoam and other difficult-to-recycle materials, thanks to SWACO and the City of Columbus.
- Morse Road Recycling Convenience Center (4260 Morse Road): Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM (closed Sundays and major holidays). This location accepts clean and dry Styrofoam, batteries, light bulbs, and other rare recyclables.
- Jackson Pike Recycling Convenience Center (2566 Jackson Pike): Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Did you know? This site also accepts Styrofoam and a variety of other recyclables.
- City of Columbus Waste and Reuse Convenience Center (2100 Alum Creek Drive): Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Drop off a broad range of items, most of which are accepted free of charge, at this facility.
- SWACO’s Expanded Services: Most locations now offer enhanced recycling accessibility. These facilities accept traditional recyclables such as cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, and specific special items like appliances and electronics. Note that some items (tires and TVs, in particular) may incur a fee. Check SWACO’s website for comprehensive lists of accepted materials and updated hours of operation.
2. Compost Food Waste
Holiday feasts typically result in leftover food and scraps that are perfect for composting. Composting reduces methane emissions from landfills and turns organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. In Columbus, you have several options for composting:
- At-Home Composting: The Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District offers discounted compost machines for Columbus residents. Visit this page to learn more.
- Community Composting: Check out services like The Compost Exchange and Go Zero, which provide convenient drop-off and pickup options for food waste.
- Campus Composting: If you’re affiliated with Ohio State University (or pretend to be), the OSU Compost Drop-Off Program is an excellent resource.
What to Compost: Fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, and yard trimmings.
What Not to Compost: Meat, dairy, and oily foods—these can attract pests and slow the decomposition process.
3. Recycle Your Christmas Tree
A natural Christmas tree doesn’t have to end up in the trash. To avoid the carbon footprint of collection and disposal, you can repurpose your tree by using it as firewood in your firepit. Pine branches are highly flammable due to their resin content, making them excellent fire starters for cozy winter evenings. This can serve as an extra opportunity to gather with loved ones around the fire and enjoy quality time together in the coming months. This simple tradition can create cherished memories during the quieter months of the year.
If using your tree for firewood isn’t feasible or appealing, Columbus offers yard waste pickup services. Your tree can be turned into mulch or compost. Ensure your tree is free of decorations, tinsel, and lights before setting it out for pickup. For more details, visit Columbus’ yard waste collection page.
If you have an artificial tree, it’s not recyclable but can often be donated or repurposed. Consider offering it to a local charity or using parts of it for DIY projects.
4. Dispose of Light Bulbs Properly
Holiday lights are beautiful but often leave us with broken or non-working bulbs. The Recycling Convenience Centers above accept certain types of light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and LEDs. For specific guidelines, refer to the SWACO website. Incandescent bulbs, however, typically need to go in the trash unless otherwise specified by a specialty recycler.
5. Repurpose or Recycle Holiday Decorations
While many holiday decorations are not recyclable, you can extend their life through creative reuse:
- Garlands and Wreaths: Natural wreaths can be composted if they’re free of synthetic decorations.
- Stockings and Fabric Decor: Consider donating these items if they’re in good condition. If they’re worn out, use the fabric for crafts.
- String Lights: If non-working, drop them off at electronic recycling facilities or participate in local light recycling programs.
6. Use Recyclable Wrapping Materials
Not all wrapping paper is created equal. Foil, glitter, or plastic-coated paper cannot be recycled. Instead, opt for:
- Plain or kraft paper.
- Reusable gift bags.
- Fabric wrapping, such as furoshiki.
After unwrapping, save ribbons and bows for future use. Encourage your family and friends to do the same to minimize waste.
7. Donate Excess Items
Many of us receive gifts or upgrade items during the holidays, leaving older belongings unused. Instead of throwing them away, donate:
- Old toys to local shelters or charities.
- Clothing to thrift stores or donation centers.
- Electronics to e-waste recycling programs.
Donation not only reduces waste but also supports others in your community, aligning perfectly with Simply Living’s mission of fostering sustainable and connected lifestyles.
As the year comes to a close, let’s celebrate the holidays responsibly and with intention. Every small step toward sustainability contributes to a healthier planet for generations to come. From all of us at Simply Living, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a sustainable new year!
I understand that Columbus City Compost will accept any edible food product including bones and meat. We take our compost every two weeks to the City’s compost/recycling/trash center on Olentangy River Road south of Bethel Rd. Let me know if I am incorrect.
While I did not verify this information, it is true that most industrial composting operations have the heat required to compost meat, so given we’re talking about a city-scale operation, it is probably safe to assume you are correct.