Holiday recycling tips

SEATTLE – According to Seattle SPU, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, Americans throw out 25% more trash than any of the time of the year. You can make small differences by knowing what you can and can’t recycle.

Greeting cards, cardboard and gift wrap can all be thrown into your recycling cart. Just remember to flatten cardboards and do not burn wrapping paper, because it can be toxic. Don’t forget to wash out any empty food containers either.

Burnt out Christmas lights can be recycled at certain locations, like Ace Hardware stores in Magnolia or Maple Leaf, most Lowe’s, McLendon Hardware and Girl Scouts of Western Washington. If you can’t make it to any of those locations, it’s best to throw them into the trash.

Ribbons and bows can go in the garbage, as well as alkaline batteries. However, some places in town to accept recycled batteries.

Styrofoam packaging cannot be recycled and must be thrown away. However, Styro Recycle in Renton will accept it. Electronics cannot be recycled or thrown into the garbage because they contain hazardous materials. People can check ecyclewashington.org to find convenient locations for drop off.