It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! During the holiday season the Recycling Center at 720 S Mapleton St. in Columbus, will accept wrapping paper, Christmas lights and live Christmas trees, from Dec. 26 through Jan. 13.
Some reminders about what is allowed to be recycled:
Wrapping paper: No ribbons, bows or foil/shiny paper
Christmas lights: Strand lighting only
Christmas trees: Live trees only with lights, decorations and stands removed. (Bring them to the yard waste site adjacent to the Recycling Center.)
The county landfill will be closed Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas Day, and on Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Day.
The Recycling Center will be closed Dec. 23 and 25 in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day will be observed on Dec. 30 and Jan. 1.
The Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management Office will be closed on Dec. 22 and Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day will be observed Dec. 29 and Jan. 1.
Going ‘green?’
Thinking of how to conserve energy during the holiday season? Consider these tips:
Use low-energy LED lights. This could save you up to 80 percent in energy costs.
Use natural materials found around your home for decorating, such as evergreen prunings and pine cones.
Recycle old electronics ($20 fee for computer monitors and televisions; all other electronics no fee).
Donate gently-used clothing and toys after they have been replaced by new gifts.
Reuse gift boxes from other occasions for gift wrapping.
Wrap your gifts in reused material such as newspaper or fabric pieces.
Think useful. Give unique gifts that will be utilized by the recipient versus giving a gift someone may never really use.
Give gift cards. Less packaging and the recipient is sure to get exactly what they want.
Use cloth napkins and hardware versus disposable items to generate less waste.
Have a healthy, sustainable holiday!
