Drowning In Used Holiday Decor And Paper? We've Got You Covered

BOULDER, CO -- The stockings are down, the eggnog has been sipped, and the gifts have all been given, but the holiday season isn't quite over yet. Now around your tree lies a shining pile of used paper, gift cards, and past-their-prime strings of lights — what are you going to do with all of that? Fortunately, there are lots local ways for Boulder's conscious celebrators to dispose of holiday waste in the most sustainable way possible.

Here are the locations you need to know:

(Click links for location details, hours, and fees)

- Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM): 6400 Arapahoe Rd., Boulder

- Nederland Transfer Station: 286 Ridge Rd., Nederland

- Allenspark Drop-Off Center: Off County Rd. 84 and Highway 7, Allenspark

- Longmont Waste Diversion Center: 140 Martin St., Longmont (for residents only — bring an ID and local utility bill)

- Boulder County Recycling Center: 1901 63rd St., Boulder

What should I do with my...

Holiday string lights or extension cords - Recycle as scrap metal at CHaRM, the Nederland Transfer Station, the Allenspark Drop-Off Center, or the Longmont Waste Diversion Center (Dec. 26–Jan. 31 only). Please bundle cords and tie the loose ends so that they do not get caught in machinery.

Holiday cards - Consider reusing old cards as next year's gift tags, or place-setting name cards. Recycle in your curbside comingled bin or at recycling drop-off centers. Cards embossed with foil are not recyclable. Dark colored envelopes are not recyclable, but should be placed in your curbside compost bin.

White block Styrofoam - Bring to CHaRM or the Longmont Waste Diversion Center. No egg cartons, to-go containers, packing peanuts or tape, please.

Wrapping Paper - Consider saving and reusing large pieces next season. Do not place in your curbside bin. Bring to the Boulder County Recycling Center or Longmont Waste Diversion Center and place in the bin marked "wrapping paper". Bring to CHaRM and place in the bin marked "compost". Get it there fast — the special seasonal service for wrapping paper is only available for a short time. Please do not try to recycle foil or embossed papers.

Paper shopping bags or cardboard boxes - Place in your curbside comingled bin, or bring to a recycling center.

Packing peanuts - Not recyclable, but local shipping stores will often take and reuse them. Call your local shop first to check.

Bubble wrap - Recycle at CHaRM only.

Tissue paper - Compost in your curbside bin, at CHaRM or the Longmont Waste Diversion Center. Please, no glitter.

Foam wrapping sheets - Recycle at CHaRM in the bin marked "plastic bags and bubble wrap".

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Photo credit: Elizabeth Janney/Patch