Village Offers Guidance For Post-Holiday Recycling

Press release from the Village of Wilmette:

Is Wrapping Paper Recyclable?

Some common holiday items are recyclable in your curbside recycling cart, while others are not. For example, paper gift wrap, cardboard boxes, cardboard rolls, and paper greeting cards are all recyclable through the weekly curbside recycling program.

However, plastic or foil gift wrap, tissue paper, plastic bags, plastic cards, rope or plastic handle gift bags, tree strands, Styrofoam peanuts, packing material, glitter, ribbons, bows, and string are not recyclable in the curbside bins. If you are unsure if an item can be recycled through the curbside program, it is best to check acceptable items listed on Wilmette.com.

Holiday String Lights

Holiday string lights cannot be recycled in curbside bins but can be recycled at Wilmette Public Works facility, 711 Laramie Avenue. The recycling boxes are located in the visitor’s parking lot and accessible 24-hours a day through January 31. Please remove lights from packaging and plastic bags! The recycling program will accept holiday string lighting of all colors and lengths including:

• Mini-lights (or Italian lights)
• C7 lights
• C9 lights
• Rope lights
• LED lights
• Extension cords

Garland, Live Greens, and Wreaths

Garland, live greens, and wreaths should be disposed of through the regular solid waste program.

Christmas Tree Collection

Advanced Disposal will collect Christmas trees for composting during the first two weeks of January. Please place your Christmas trees at the location of your regular recycling pickup. Residents with alley access should place trees in the alley to ensure timely collection. Only residents without alley access should place trees at the curb for collection. Trees must be free of any string lights, ornaments, tinsel, garland, and plastic/fabric bag wrap.

Electronics

Many electronics can be recycled 24-hours a day at Wilmette Public Works facility. There is a 20-yard dumpster located in the south driveway in which residents can drop off items. Click here for more information, including the list of acceptable items.

Other

Remember, “when in doubt, throw it out.” It’s important that only recyclable materials are disposed of through the Village’s recycling programs in order to avoid contamination.

This press release was produced by the Village of Wilmette. The views expressed are the author's own.