Hot dogs and burgers sizzle on the grill. The cooler overflows with chilled refreshments. Some sparklers are in a basket by Grandma for safekeeping until nightfall. It’s the 4th of July in Rockland County, and you’re ready to go!

While many of us may be attending or hosting a gathering for the 4th, we all know a certain time arrives after the fireworks grand finale: Clean-up Time.

To make things easier for you as a host or guest, consider the following recycling tips to responsibly get rid of recyclables and trash from a 4th of July party. Taking small steps before, during, and after the party may give you more time to enjoy the festivities!

1. Double-Check Local Recycling Guidelines

Make sure you know what items can be recycled in your town and Rockland County and what items should go in the trash. The perfect way to find out is by using Rockland Green’s What Goes Where? feature on our website. For example, plastic plates are recyclable (just be sure to rinse them clean before disposing them!).

2. Separate Trash and Recycling During Your Party

Set up a space on your deck, patio, or lawn with separate bags or bins for trash and recyclables. Since Rockland County uses two different bins (a green bin and blue bin) for recycling different items, you may also want to create and tape labels for each bag or container and be as specific as you want to (e.g., “Plastic cutlery, bottles, and cans go here,” “Paper plates and styrofoam cups go here,” etc.).

This will give guests a visual representation of what goes where, making it less likely that a bottle or can gets mixed in with the rest of a potato salad. It may also save you the next-day task of digging into a trash bag, elbow-deep, to retrieve that grimy bottle or can, rinse it, and dispose of it correctly.

3. Get Durable Trash Bags

If you’re expecting many people, expect many plates and leftovers to be thrown away. Grab a box of heavy-duty trash bags for non-recyclable waste. When a bag is full, make sure it’s securely tied and in a covered trash bin to prevent animals from getting into it.

4. Empty and Clean Recyclable Containers

Patties, sausage links, dips, veggie platters, cookies, and more may arrive at your party in plastic containers. When you’re done with the containers, rinse them clean before placing them in your green recycling bin.

5. Break Down Cardboard Boxes

Any cardboard beverage boxes should be flattened and stacked to save space in your blue recycling bin for pickup. The same goes for empty and clean cardboard pizza boxes. If the boxes are dirty or oily, they go in the garbage.

6. Dispose of Charcoal Safely

If you use charcoal for grilling, allow the ashes to cool completely (at least 48 hours) before placing them in a metal container and placing the container in the outside garbage. Never throw hot coals in the garbage, as this could start a fire. Also, make sure to throw the empty charcoal bag in the garbage.

Fun fact: If your charcoal is additive-free, you may be able to add it to compost or use it as a fertilizer for potted plants and garden beds.

7. Proper Disposal of Sparklers

If Grandma hands out the sparklers, once they’re used and extinguished, submerge them in a bucket of water or place them on concrete and douse them thoroughly with the hose before throwing them in the outside garbage.

8. Donate or Reuse Items

If you have leftover food, unused plates and cutlery, or reusable decorations, think about donating them to a local organization to reduce waste.

By following these recycling tips for the 4th of July, you can save the time it may take to clean up afterward and use that time to celebrate the moment. Stay safe, have fun, and recycle responsibly!