Still cleaning up heaps of holiday items? Here’s a guide to doing so sustainably.

Published 6:00 am Monday, December 30, 2024

Some people rid the holiday décor within 24 hours of celebrating, but some hold on for as long as they can. 

For those hanging onto the holidays — trees, string lights, piles of wrapping paper, mailing supplies — here are a few tips from Metro to undeck the halls in a sustainable way. 

Natural Christmas trees: recycle

Some households have the luxury of recycling trees with yard debris, but collection requirements vary throughout greater Portland, so check with Metro. 

For those without access to curbside collection, several nonprofits collect trees for recycling with either drop-off locations or scheduled pickup times. 

Trees decorated with artificial snow, or flocked, cannot be recycled and should be treated as garbage. 

Find more about Christmas tree recycling options online at oregonmetro.gov/ChristmasTrees. 

Artificial Christmas trees: reuse or trash

These low maintenance trees don’t go out of style, so consider reusing it again and again for years to come. If the built-in lights die, consider buying string lights and wrapping them around. These trees can be given a new life for several years to come.

If someone wishes to part ways with an artificial tree, it can be resold or donated. 

If it is no long usable, then it belongs to the garbage. 

Batteries and electronics: recycle

Many love getting a new gadget as a holiday gift, leaving older models in the dust, and hidden batteries inside many devices go unnoticed which can cause fires.

Batteries and electronics should be taken to a recycling center or household hazard waste facility. Many broken and unwanted electronics can be recycled year-round for free at an Oregon E-cycles collection site.

Disposing of these items in a household garbage or recycling bin can create unsafe conditions for people, animals and the environment. 

Electronics that still work can be reused, resold or donated. 

String lights and power cords: trash 

Broken string lights and power cords can be thrown away at home. 

If interested, Metro can provide information on recycling facilities that accept them. Most importantly, they do not belong in household recycling bins. 

String lights and power cords can get tangled up in recycling equipment, which is dangerous for workers. 

Gift wrap and mailing supplies: it depends

Some gift wrap and mailing supplies are recyclable, but others are not.

Paper gift wrap can be recycled as long as it is free from glitter, foil and plastic decorations. Cardboard boxes are recyclable, but be sure to flatten them and remove as much tape as possible. 

Plastic film, plastic packaging and packing peanuts go in the garbage unless they can be saved and reused. Expanded polystyrene — or block Styrofoam — also belongs in the garbage. 

So, what if someone is still unsure about what to do with holiday materials?

Ask Metro. 

People living in greater Portland can use Metro’s online find a recycler tool to locate recycling drop-off sites and reuse stores near them. 

The Metro Recycling Information Center is also available to help. Visit oregonmetro.gov/AskMetro or call 503-234-3000 to speak with someone in English or Spanish. 

Staff are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding New Year’s Day.