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    • Philadelphia’s Guide to Recycling During the Holidays
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    Philadelphia’s Guide to Recycling During the Holidays

    Pabio Posted on

    The holidays are here, and while you’re busy wrapping presents and sipping hot chocolate, don’t forget to recycle responsibly. With extra packaging, gift wrapping, and leftovers from the holidays, it’s easy for recycling bins to become overwhelmed. The Philadelphia Department of Sanitation collects 80,000 tons of recycled materials each year, and every piece counts to keep the process efficient and environmentally friendly.

    Philadelphia Streets Department has outlined what can – and can’t – be recycled this holiday season. So let’s go.

    What are you can recycle

    Regardless of the material, be sure to rinse, empty and dry all recyclable items before tossing them into the blue bin.

    Paper

    1. Plain paper gift wrap and gift bags (no glitter)

    2. Greeting cards (non-metallic)

    3. Newspapers, magazines, brochures and catalogs

    4. Junk mail, envelopes and stationery

    5. Paperbacks (no hardcover)

    6. Scrap paper

    Plastics

    1. Plastic bottles, jars, jugs and bins

    2. Hard plastic takeaway containers

    3. Detergent, shampoo, pump and spray bottles

    Cardboard

    1. Flattened Shipping and Gift Boxes

    2. Wrapping paper rolls

    3. Clean (non-greasy) pizza boxes

    4. Dry food boxes, paper towel rolls and cardboard egg cartons

    Metals

    1. Aluminum, steel and tinplate cans

    2. Empty paint cans and aerosols

    3. Aluminum or steel baking trays/dishes

    Glass

    1. All bottles and jars (lids and caps)

    Boxes

    1. Milk, juice, soup and wine cartons (rinsed and emptied)

    What are you can’t recycle

    Some holiday materials cannot be recycled. Keep them out of your blue bin to avoid contamination:

    1. Glittery or embellished wrapping paper

    2. Polystyrene and plastic bags

    3. Food or items soiled by food

    4. Tissues, paper towels and napkins

    5. Batteries, electronics and Christmas lights

    6. Disposable plates, cups and utensils

    7. Pots, pans, ceramics and candles

    Recycling Tips for the Holidays

    1. Think before you throw away: When in doubt, leave it out. Non-recyclable materials can contaminate the entire batch and send it to the landfill.

    2. Avoid plastic bags: Do not package recyclable materials. Plastic bag stuffing machines in sorting facilities. Recycle them at designated drop-off points at grocery stores.

    3. Flatten the boxes: Dismantling the boxes saves space in your trash can and on collection trucks.

    Free recycling bins and drop-off points

    Philadelphia residents can recover free recycling bins at one of six health convenience centers. You’ll need proof of address, such as a photo ID or utility bill, to get up to two bins per year.

    Locations of health convenience centers:

    1. Southwest Philadelphia: 3033 S. 63rd St., near Passyunk Ave., 215-685-4290

    2. Strawberry Manor: 2601 W. Glenwood Avenue, 215-685-3981

    3. Northwest Philadelphia: 300 blocks of Domino Lane, near Umbria Street, 215-685-2502

    4. West Philadelphia: 5100 Grays Avenue, 215-685-2600

    5. Port Richmond: 3901 Delaware Avenue, 215-685-1358

    6. Northeast Philadelphia: State Rd. & Ashburner Street, 215-685-8072

    Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Holiday Waste Management Tips

    1. Reuse before recycling: Save gently used ribbons, bows and gift wrap for next year.

    2. Donate old electronics: Many local charities accept gently used electronics and other items.

    3. Proper disposal: If an item is not recyclable, check phila.gov/recycle for special drop-off locations.

    Pabio
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