During the holiday season, waste levels in the United States rise significantly, with an estimated 25 percent increase in trash volume between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Items such as packaging materials, decorations, trees, and electronics often contribute to this surge.
Cardboard boxes and plain wrapping paper can be recycled through Austin’s blue cart program. Materials like Styrofoam, bubble wrap, and plastic films are not accepted curbside but can be dropped off at the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center for proper recycling. Ribbons and bows are not recyclable but can be reused for future gift wrapping. Residents are encouraged to consolidate online orders to reduce packaging waste and emissions. Alternatives such as reusable gift bags or newspaper for wrapping can help minimize additional waste.
Holiday cards also add to seasonal refuse. Using electronic cards instead of traditional paper versions offers a paperless alternative that saves money. Paper cards received during the holidays can be repurposed into items like gift tags or place settings.
Broken string lights should not be placed in regular recycling bins because they may tangle machinery at recycling facilities and pose safety risks for workers. These should instead be taken to the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center.
Disposing of old electronics requires care due to hazardous components such as lithium batteries and toxic chemicals. Austin residents have options including on-demand bulk collection or drop-off at the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center for items like cell phones, microwaves, televisions, washers, and dryers.
For tree disposal after the holidays, artificial trees can go to the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center. Natural trees may be set out for curbside compost collection beginning December 26 or dropped off at Zilker Park on specified days. More information is available at https://www.austintexas.gov/treerecycling.
The City of Austin encourages residents to adopt these practices to enjoy a festive season while minimizing environmental impact.
