Make a Long-Lasting Impact This Holiday Season by Recycling

Published on December 18, 2025

By Tyler Hurd, Asset Management Communications

The holiday season brings enormous joy; it also generates a lot of waste. In the United States, trash volume increases approximately 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day! From packaging materials to decorations, from trees to electronics, the trash can pile up quickly. The good news… most holiday waste can be reused or recycled with a few simple steps.

Arlington's Recycling and Sustainability Programs

Reduce

• Consolidate online orders to reduce packaging waste
• Send e-cards instead of traditional paper cards

Reuse

• Reuse old newspaper for wrapping gifts or reusable gift bags
• Reuse ribbons and bows for future gifts
• Reuse gift boxes for wrapping presents
• Reuse holiday cards as gift tags
• Artificial trees can be donated to a reuse store

Recycle

• Cardboard and plain wrapping paper should be placed in your green cart
• Take bubble wrap and plastic bags to your local grocery store to be recycled
• Recycle holiday cards
• Small electronics, including broken string lights, can be recycled at the landfill drop-off site or at the spring or fall citywide E-waste recycling event
• Recycle your live Christmas trees from Dec. 26 thru Jan. 15 at one of two drop-off locations. Don't forget that trees must have all decorations, ornaments, llights, tree stands and plastic bags removed!
  • Calloway’s Nursery at 4940 S. Cooper Street
  • Arlington Landfill at 800 Mosier Valley Road

By following these simple tips, you will make a lasting impact this holiday season.