West Hartford Offers Tips To Curb Holiday Waste

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford officials are putting out some tips for residents this holiday season to cut down on the type of waste that can accumulate this time of year.

"While the holiday season is a joyous and meaningful time, it is also a time when we generate a lot of waste," wrote the town.

The Town of West Hartford said the federal Environmental Protection Agency estimates "we generate 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than we do the rest of the year."

As a result, the town offered some suggestions for folks to "manage food waste, recycle right, and reduce waste."

Reduce Food Waste:

• Use this food estimate calculator to shop wisely and reduce food waste: https://savethefood.com/guestimator
• Shop your pantry and fridge before you shop at the grocery store.
• Make plans for leftovers and freeze. Almost all food can be safely frozen and enjoyed later.
• If possible, compost your food scraps and food waste as 23% of trash is food waste!

Recycle Right:

• Break down boxes so they lay flat. This will create more room in your recycling barrel. Excess cardboard can be dropped off at the Yard Waste & Recycling Center on 25 Brixton St. and during a special collection held on Dec. 27 and Dec. 30.
• Remove Styrofoam and plastic bags and place them in the trash.
• Most wrapping paper and all ribbons are trash. Find creative, reusable ways to wrap gifts like using a pretty dish towel, old maps, posters, or brown paper.
• Holiday string lights cannot be recycled, they are trash. String lights can be dropped off in the e-waste recycling container at the recycling center, an annual permit is required.
• Most carryout food containers are not recyclable.
• Do not put plastic bags or plastic film (stretchy plastic) in the recycling barrel.

Holiday Waste:

• Keep it simple and give gifts of experiences like museum memberships, magazine subscriptions, concert tickets, and massage treatments. Or give promises to babysit, cook, or help with chores.

• Remember to bring your own shopping bag anywhere you shop, not just the grocery store.
• Use your dishes. Single-use plates and cutlery are trash.

"Please don’t be overwhelmed by the suggestions," wrote the town. "Just pick one or two new things to try this holiday season and take small steps to created less waste. Happy Holidays."

Contact Katherine Bruns, Recycling Coordinator, at 860-561-8107 with questions or suggestions or to have her speak to your group about recycling. Follow her on Facebook @WestHartfordRecycles.