FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As residents clean up after Thanksgiving feasts and begin to haul out the holly, Springfield Environmental Services wants families to consider disposal options that don’t involve a trash can. Holiday waste and even décor items can often be recycled or given a second chance at life through donation.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away approximately 25 million tons of garbage during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday period. That’s 25 percent more than average and accounts for 1 million extra tons per week.
“Our busiest days at the landfill are easily the days following Christmas,” says Springfield Superintendent of Solid Waste Erick Roberts. “Our recycling centers also tend to slow down during the holidays. It’s a busy time for families, but it’s important to remind residents that it can be easy and even fun to recycle and repurpose your holiday materials.”
SEASONAL RECYCLING RESOURCES:
Artificial Trees & Holiday Décor:
Artificial trees and holiday decor in usable condition are accepted for free at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore (2410 S. Scenic Ave.) and many local thrift stores. This is a great way to give your tree a second chance and bring holiday cheer to a new family. Call ahead to confirm need prior to arriving.
Artificial trees are accepted for recycling at Complete Electronics Recycling (2935 W. Chestnut Expy) for no charge.
“Trees in poor condition may also be disposed at the Springfield Sanitary Landfill. But we really urge residents to think of the trash as a last resort for all items,” Roberts adds. “About 70% of the materials we find in the landfill could have been recycled.”
String lights:
As residents pull out decorations from past years, they may notice a string of lights or two that no longer work. Holiday lighting can be recycled at the following locations:
AAA Certified Computer Recycling Center
528 N. Prince Lane - 417-866-2588
Fee: None
Complete Electronics Recycling
2935 W. Chestnut Expy - 417-864-4415
Fee: None
Lowe’s
1850 E. Primrose St. location only
Fee: None
Disposal box located by customer service desk. Accepting through Dec. 24.
All Metal Recycling
3340 W. Division - 417-862-0011
Fee: None (Pay 10 cents/lb.)
Commercial Metals Company
634 E. Phelps - 417-862-0548
Fee: None (Pay 10 cents /lb.)
Household holiday recyclables:
The following holiday items are accepted at the Lone Pine (3020 S. Lone Pine Ave.), Franklin Avenue (731 N. Franklin Ave.) and Yardwaste Recycling Center (3790 S. Farm Road 119, Brookline) facilities open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. during the winter season (Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1):
- Paper - Wrapping paper, tissue paper, greeting cards and paper decor with no foil or glitter are accepted.
- Paperboard gift boxes and wrapping paper tubes are accepted. These technically qualify as paper, so please deposit in the paper bin.
- Corrugated cardboard boxes are accepted. Please flatten to save space.
- Plastic, glass & aluminum drink containers from your holiday parties. Yes, we’ll even take those red plastic cups! Please rinse out first.
- Plastic and metal food containers from your holiday meal prep. Must be rinsed and free of food. No need to remove lids or labels. No plastic bags please!
Plastic Shopping Bags:
Residents are encouraged to grab their reusable bags and totes before heading to the stores. This is a great way to reduce single-use plastics that ultimately end up in the landfill. If you forget your totes at home, plastic bags can be recycled at most large retail and supermarket locations. Many thrift stores will also accept clean plastic bags.
Learn more about how to recycle, repurpose and create less waste throughout the holiday season by following @SGFEnvironmentalServices on facebook or Instagram, or @SGFEnvironServi on Twitter. All resources can be found on the City’s website at http://www.springfieldmo.gov/estips. For questions about recycling opportunities in Springfield, call the recycling hotline at 417-864-1904.
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For more information, contact Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected].