The Holiday Season Brings Extra Waste
December is one of the busiest months for households, and it is also one of the highest for waste production. With gift giving, holiday dinners, decorations, and shipping materials, many families find themselves with more trash than usual. Knowing what goes where can help you stay organized during an already hectic season.
Being mindful of your waste also makes a positive impact on your community. When items are sorted correctly, recycling centers run smoothly and landfills stay less crowded. A little awareness goes a long way during the holidays.
What You Can Recycle This December
Many holiday items are fully recyclable, even if they come in unusual shapes or quantities. Cardboard shipping boxes should always be broken down and placed in your recycling bin. Clean wrapping paper, tissue paper, and paper gift bags without glitter or foil can also be recycled.
Plastic beverage containers, cans from holiday cooking, and clean food packaging should be placed with your regular recycling. These items are easy to sort and help keep your holiday celebrations more sustainable. When in doubt, choose simple materials that can be recycled without trouble.
What Needs to Go in the Trash
Some holiday items cannot be recycled and should go directly into your household trash. Wrapping paper with glitter, metallic finishes, or plastic coatings cannot be reused or processed. Ribbons, bows, tinsel, and plastic decorations should also be thrown out once you are finished with them.
Broken ornaments, damaged string lights, and plastic toys that cannot be donated belong in regular trash as well. These materials often contain mixed components that cannot be separated for recycling. Keeping them out of the recycling bin helps avoid contamination.
Handling Cardboard Boxes and Packaging
With online shopping at its peak, many households find themselves surrounded by cardboard. The best way to manage this is to flatten boxes completely and remove any plastic, foam, or leftover tape. This makes pickup easier for our team at Westfield Dispose All and ensures that the boxes are ready for recycling.
If you have more boxes than usual, consider spreading them out across multiple pickups. You can also store them until a week with lighter waste, which helps keep your curbside area neat and manageable.
Food Waste and Holiday Meal Cleanup
Holiday gatherings often come with large meals, which also means more food waste. Leftovers that cannot be saved or donated should be placed in your regular trash. Avoid pouring cooking oils or fats down the drain, since this can cause plumbing issues. Instead, allow oils to cool and harden before throwing them away in a sealed container.
If you have a backyard compost bin, vegetable scraps and plant-based leftovers can be added to your compost. This reduces waste and creates a natural soil enhancer for future gardening projects.
What to Do with Old Decorations
As you unpack holiday boxes, you may find items that are worn out or no longer needed. Light strings that no longer work, broken plastic decorations, and artificial wreaths should be thrown away. These items are not recyclable and should be placed with your normal trash collection.
Reusable items like storage bins, unused gift bags, and gently used décor can be saved for next year. Keeping a well-organized holiday storage area can help reduce waste in the future and save you money when the season comes around again.
When You Need Extra Help
Holiday waste can easily go beyond what fits in your regular pickup. If you have large amounts of cardboard, bags of wrapping paper, or bulk items that need to be removed, contact Westfield Dispose All. We are here to help customers across Union, Somerset, and Middlesex counties manage the extra load.
Our crew is prepared for the busy season and can schedule additional pickups when needed. Reaching out early helps us plan the best way to serve you during this time of year.
Stay Informed About Service Updates
Weather events, holiday hours, and seasonal volume can impact pickup schedules in December. Staying up to date with any changes helps ensure that your waste is collected on time. Keep an eye on our website and social media pages for announcements throughout the month.
We do our best to keep customers informed so you can plan your curbside setup without stress. Your cooperation helps our team work safely and efficiently during one of the busiest times of the year.
Keeping the Season Clean and Joyful
A clean and organized home makes the holidays more enjoyable. With the right approach, you can celebrate fully while still being mindful of your waste. By knowing what to recycle, what to trash, and when to ask for extra help, you can make December smoother for yourself and your community.
Westfield Dispose All is proud to support local families and businesses throughout the holiday season. Thank you for trusting us with your waste removal needs this December. If you have any questions, we are always here to help.
