Holiday Recycling Checklist: Celebrate Without the Waste

Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Greener Holiday Season!

Make this holiday season merry, bright, and waste-free! Follow these simple steps to reduce waste, reuse what you can, and recycle right because every small action helps keep California clean and sustainable.

Before the Celebrations

Plan your menu: Shop your fridge first, and buy only what you need.

Think waste-free: Create a waste-free plan for parties, gifts, and decorations.
Bring reusables: Keep reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and utensils handy.

Thoughtful Gifting & Wrapping

Give experiences, not waste: Choose gift cards, subscriptions, and event tickets.
Wrap smart: Use recyclable paper or reusable fabric; avoid metallic or glittery wrap.
Reuse what you have: Reuse and save ribbons, bags, and boxes for next year.

Waste-Free Cooking & Entertaining

Freeze leftovers: Freeze what you can’t eat to enjoy later.
Compost food scraps: Put food scraps in your green bin (check your local rules at iRecycleSmart.com).

Cash in CRV: Redeem your empty CRV beverage containers for cash, including wine and liquor. Find a nearby recycling site at BottlesandCans.com.

Packaging & Plastics

Refuse trash: Say no to optional excess packaging and bring your own bag when shopping.

Skip single-use: Choose reusable plates, cups, and utensils for gatherings.

Recycle right: Check to see what’s accepted in your local program at iRecycleSmart.com. Remove tape and plastic from boxes. Empty and dry bottles, cans, and jars before recycling.

After the Holidays

Recycle your tree: Check local programs for tree recycling drop-off at iRecycleSmart.com.
Donate unwanted items: Give gently used clothes, toys, or decorations a second life.
Properly dispose of batteries and electronics: Take them to a certified e-waste center; check iRecycleSmart.com for locations near you.

Remember

Small steps lead to big impact. Together, we can keep California’s holidays waste-free.

Visit: RecyclingReimaginedCA.com
Find local recycling info at iRecycleSmart.com

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