Did you know that 25% more trash is thrown away during the holiday season? From uneaten food to packaging and decorations you no longer need, the holidays can become a season of waste – but it’s easy to have a green holiday! Let’s ’tis the season of sustainability to help reduce waste and make a difference.
Get into the spirit of sustainability using the Green Holiday Guide (click below to download or continue reading for tips).
Reduce Your Waste
Whether you’re preparing a meal, giving gifts or decorating, remember to only buy what you need. To reduce waste, look for items with minimal-to-no packaging.
Donate
Have unwanted decorations or lights? Don’t pitch them. Consider donating to a local non-profit like Goodwill or bring them to the Recycling Convenience Center for recycling and proper disposal.
Use our online Reuse and Recycling Search Tool to find drop-off locations for your items.
Food Waste
- Prevention: Save money by preparing the right amount of food for your holiday meal. Use the “Guesti-mator” tool to plan your meal and calculate how much of each ingredient to buy for the recipes you want to make.
- Rescue: Tired of holiday leftovers? Get creative with recipes and flavors to turn leftovers into something new.
- Compost: Live trees, garlands and wreaths can be composted in Franklin County by placing them at the curb on your yard waste collection day or by bringing them to the Recycling Convenience Center after the holidays. Remember to remove lights and decorations first.
- Safe Disposal: Bring used turkey fryer oil in a sealed container to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility (645 E. 8th Ave) or the Recycling Convenience Center (2566 Jackson Pike).
Find this information and more to help you Save More Than Food when you visit our Holiday Hub.
Recycle Right
Online shopping can lead to a lot of cardboard, which should be recycled properly by removing styrofoam and breaking down boxes before putting them in your homes recycling cart. In addition to cardboard, remember to recycle plastic and glass bottles, metal cans, carton containers and paper. New this holiday season is the ability to recycle clear plastic clamshell containers! Learn more about Franklin County’s residential recycling program by clicking here.
Continue The Festivities
Our Green Holiday Guide is now available as reversible wrapping paper made from 100% recycled material—perfect for making your gifts look fabulous while staying kind to the planet! Plus, it can be recycled after use! Find the wrapping paper at special events throughout December (while supplies last).
Click here for wrapping paper locations.
Want More?
Learn more about the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill and waste diversion by joining us on December 7th for a public tour. Registration is required. To register email: [email protected].
Don’t miss our upcoming Green Holiday Webinar on December 11th. This webinar will cover food waste prevention, repurposing leftovers, sustainable gift-giving, and the recyclability of various product packaging.
Click here to register for the webinar.
