COVID-19 had a way of postponing and disrupting many holiday plans this year and it’s likely you may still have holiday decorations up. Before packing things up for next year or throwing anything away, consider these tips:
- Compost your greenery. Live trees and wreaths can be composted in Franklin County by placing them at the curb on your yard waste collection day. Make sure to remove any lights and decorations first.
- Donate decorations or lights. Before you pack up and put away items, consider donating anything you may not want for next year to a local non-profit (e.g., Goodwill) that can sell them in their store or use them in their facility.
- Save those bags! Keep hold of gift bags that are still in good shape. If gift bags aren’t in good enough condition to reuse next year, they can be recycled if they are made from paper and doesn’t contain foil or glitter.
- Replace home items safely. Did you receive a new TV for the holiday? Or maybe new clothes and appliances? If you need to make room for the new stuff, make sure you’re disposing the old stuff properly. Go to ottumwarecycles.com
To get the New Year off to a good start:
Recycle correctly. It’s not just enough to recycle; it’s important to only put accepted items in your recycling and to recycle all that you can every day. Check out what’s accepted for recycling at ottumwarecycles.com.
Remember to keep recyclables loose in the cart; only bag paper items that can become windblown.
Start composting. Composting is a quick, easy and low-cost way to reduce food waste, create healthy soil for your plants and reduce your reliance on the landfill. Check out our website for more information or call 641-683-0684.
Shop local. Holiday shopping may be over, but as you think about things you need and want to buy this year, consider supporting local businesses, which reduce the distance a product needs to travel (thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions!)
If you have questions, call 641-683-0685, Monday – Friday 7am – 4pm & Saturday 7 am – Noon.