Reduce Holiday Waste in San Antonio
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The holiday season brings joy, gifts, and delicious food, but it also generates a lot of waste. Landfills are frequently enough filled with food scraps that could be composted, recyclable wrapping paper, usable appliances replaced with upgrades, or unwanted gifts.
To help reduce waste going into San Antonio’s landfills this holiday season – and to clarify what can’t be recycled – here’s a guide detailing recycling centers, composting tips, and ideas for used or unwanted items.
Recycling Tips
Natural Christmas Trees
San Antonians within city limits can compost their live trees, wreaths, and garlands. Simply cut the items into small pieces and place them in the city’s green bins. The City of san Antonio website also lists four drop-off locations that will convert trees into mulch between january 3-14.
Remember to remove all ornaments, decorations (including tinsel), lights, and stands before recycling. Remove wire frames from wreaths and garlands, as they can’t be mulched. Trees sprayed with artificial snow won’t be accepted, and don’t place trees in bags.
Wrapping Paper, Ribbon, and Bows
The City of San Antonio accepts plain wrapping paper in its recycling bins. However, wrapping paper with glitter or foil is not recyclable and must go in the trash. Ribbons and bows are also non-recyclable, but save them for future gifts!
Broken Holiday Lights
Broken or non-functioning strings of holiday lights can be dropped off at Monterrey Metal Recycling Solutions, located at 2300 Frio City Rd. Check their website for hours.