Holiday Trash and Recycling Tips

There’s no secret that the holiday season means so many extra garbage bags of crinkled wrapping paper and holiday party leftovers. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, household waste increases by more than 25 percent. Your trash collection company will whisk it away, or you can bring it to Seneca Landfill during our business hours. But we do have some tips to help you and your family reduce your waste this holiday season.

• Buying electronics? Check to see if the company you are purchasing from offers an electronic recycling program. Some, such as Apple, may give you a gift card in exchange for an outdated device. Learn about Apple’s recycling program here: http://www.apple.com/recycling/
• Lots of holiday gift packaging is recyclable! Plastics, papers and cardboard are generally accepted, but check with your recycling collection company to be sure. We also accept recyclable materials at our designated drop-off area.
• Consider giving gifts of experiences rather than material items. Concert tickets, museum memberships or gift certificates are low-waste and always appreciated. Check Groupon, Living Social or local websites for deals and offerings.
• Take reusable bags with you when you go holiday shopping. That way you won’t have to use paper or plastic bags at each store.
• Did you receive a new TV, computer, cell phone or other electronic device? It is illegal to throw electronic devices into landfills in PA, so visit this webpage for info on how to find an electronic recycling center near you.