Holiday Recycling Checklist: Celebrate Without the Waste

Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Greener Holiday Season!

Make this holiday season merry, bright, and waste-free! Follow these simple steps to reduce waste, reuse what you can, and recycle right because every small action helps keep California clean and sustainable.

Before the Celebrations

• Plan your menu: Shop your fridge first, and buy only what you need.
• Think waste-free: Create a waste-free plan for parties, gifts, and decorations.
• Bring reusables: Keep reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and utensils handy.

Thoughtful Gifting & Wrapping

• Give experiences, not waste: Choose gift cards, subscriptions, and event tickets.
• Wrap smart: Use recyclable paper or reusable fabric; avoid metallic or glittery wrap.
• Reuse what you have: Reuse and save ribbons, bags, and boxes for next year.

Waste-Free Cooking & Entertaining

• Freeze leftovers: Freeze what you can’t eat to enjoy later.
• Compost food scraps: Put food scraps in your green bin (check your local rules at iRecycleSmart.com).
• Cash in CRV: Redeem your empty CRV beverage containers for cash, including wine and liquor. Find a nearby recycling site at BottlesandCans.com.

Packaging & Plastics

• Refuse trash: Say no to optional excess packaging and bring your own bag when shopping.
• Skip single-use: Choose reusable plates, cups, and utensils for gatherings.
• Recycle right: Check to see what’s accepted in your local program at iRecycleSmart.com. Remove tape and plastic from boxes. Empty and dry bottles, cans, and jars before recycling.

After the Holidays

• Recycle your tree: Check local programs for tree recycling drop-off at iRecycleSmart.com.
• Donate unwanted items: Give gently used clothes, toys, or decorations a second life.
• Properly dispose of batteries and electronics: Take them to a certified e-waste center; check iRecycleSmart.com for locations near you.