Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday Season! As the festivities wind down, what do we do with all the wrapping paper, decorations, leftovers, cardboard boxes, and more?

As we welcome a new year, it’s important to know how to properly dispose of these items to keep Rockland County, Rockland Green! Here’s a quick guide to responsibly throw out and recycle everything from wrapping paper to old Christmas lights.

1. Wrapping Paper and Gift Bags

Did you know that not all wrapping paper goes in the trash? Save the trash bags and place plain, non-glittery wrapping paper in your blue recycling bin. Make sure the paper doesn’t have metallic finishes and that you remove any ribbons, bows, or tape before recycling.

Which wrapping paper goes in the trash? Any that has glitter, foil, or plastic coatings (like most shiny holiday papers).

What about gift bags? Paper gift bags (without glitter or plastic lining) are recyclable, but plastic gift bags are not. Before placing the bag in the recycling bin, remove any plastic handles.

2. Holiday Wrapping Paper Rolls and Cardboard Boxes

A wrapping paper roll is recyclable if it is not covered with foil or glitter. Remove any plastic, tape, or decorative elements before placing the roll in your blue curbside recycling bin.

For cardboard boxes, flatten them and remove any tape or plastic before placing them in your blue curbside recycling bin.

3. Christmas Trees

If you have a real or artificial tree, municipalities within Rockland County offer curbside pick-up services during a specific period. Please contact your municipality for exact pickup times.

You can also drop your real Christmas tree off at our Clarkstown Yard Waste Facility at 166 S. Rt 303. Fun fact: After the trees are chipped into mulch, a portion can be used in our communities’ public spaces. Before getting rid of your Christmas tree, remove all lights, ornaments, and tinsel.

4. Recycling Holiday Lights

Do you have more than a few broken bulbs on those strings of Christmas lights? They shouldn’t go in the trash. Please drop Christmas lights off at our Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

5. Food Leftovers

After large holiday meals, uneaten leftovers can crowd the fridge. Here are a few solutions:

Leftovers: For cooked food that is still safe to eat, store it properly in airtight containers to help make space and make it last longer. You can also get creative by turning leftovers into new meals so the food doesn’t go to waste.

Composting: If you compost, holiday food scraps like fruit peels, vegetable leftovers, and coffee grounds can go into your compost bin. Do not compost meat, dairy, or oils at home, as they don’t break down easily and can attract pests. For disposing of those kinds of items, please check out our Food Scraps Program.

Food Donations: If you have unopened, non-perishable food you won’t use, consider donating it to a local food bank, religious organization, or shelter.

6. Paper Plates, Cups, and Napkins

Most paper plates, cups, and napkins used during holiday parties are coated with wax or plastic, which makes them non-recyclable. Throw them in the trash. The same goes for plastic utensils.

A Greener New Year

Rockland County has plenty of ways to dispose of or recycle items from your holiday season responsibly. Happy New Year, and thank you for doing your part to keep Rockland County, Rockland Green!