Holiday Recycling in West Michigan: What You Can, and Can’t, Toss

We're nearing the holiday season, and everyone knows one thing for certain - the holidays create a lot of... stuff. Of course, the gifts and whatnot, but also the decorations, the tree, and the packaging that all of that "stuff" comes in.

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To help with the proper disposal of all of the holiday "stuff" that may pile up this year, Kent County Recycling & Waste has put out a handy guide outlining what you can and can not recycle this year (or any year, for that matter).

Holiday Items You CAN Recycle in Kent County, Michigan

First, the good news - holiday items that you absolutely can recycle.

Cardboard

Cardboard boxes are safe to recycle, but there are some things to remember. If it's a box with clear plastic (like the toy a box came in or something similar, that clear plastic casing has to be removed before you can recycle the box.)

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It's also asked that you break down boxes before placing them in your recycling bin.

Cartons

Whether it be the carton that you pour milk from for Santa, the carton that you pour eggnog from for yourself, or even the carton that your broth comes in - all of them can be recycled. Kent County simply asks that you rinse them out and put the cap back on them before tossing them in the recycling bin.

Hard Plastic

It's important to emphasize that this is hard plastic, such as water bottles, milk jugs, or butter/cream cheese tubs. It's asked that you rinse these before putting them in the recycling.

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Note: flexible plastic (shopping bags, mailing envelopes), and things like styrofoam can NOT be recycled.

Glass Jars and Bottles

Just make sure you rinse them out! (And leave out any corks, bakeware, or glasses.)

Paper Cups

Whether it's the cup from your morning latte or the festive cups you gave your guests to drink out of so you didn't create more dishes for yourself, you can absolutely recycle your paper cups. Just remember to take the lid off (it can also go in the recycling). No straws, though.

Metal Cans & Foils

I won't judge anyone for using canned pumpkin pie filling or that cranberry sauce that comes out in the shape of a can. Remember, those cans are recyclable! Used a disposable pie tin for your pumpkin pie? You can recycle that, too! (Again, just make sure you rinse them!)

Holiday Items You Can NOT Recycle in Kent County, Michigan

Now on to the bad news. There are many things that you can't recycle in Kent County any time of year, but sometimes we all need a reminder.

Batteries

Batteries absolutely, positively can not be recycled. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, have been known to cause fires at recycling centers. Lithium-ion, rechargeable, and button batteries need to be properly disposed of at a SafeChem location. Alkaline batteries (your standard AA batteries, etc., that are not rechargeable) can be thrown in the trash, but it's suggested that you put tape over the battery's terminals first.

Trees, Wreaths, and Garland

I'm sure you're thinking, "But what if they're fake?!?" Doesn't matter. Artificial trees, wreaths, and garland can be reused, donated, or disposed of in the trash. If you have live trees, wreaths, or garland, you can compost them.

Oil

Deep frying your turkey this year? Awesome! But don't try to put your oil in the recycling. You can, however, dispose of fryer oil at the county's SafeChem locations.

Wrapping Paper & Gift Bags

"But it's paper!!!" I get it, but you still can't recycle it. Kent County says that most wrapping papers and gift bags use heavy inks and dyes or have glitter on them, so unfortunately, they can't go in the recycling.

Plastic Foam (Like Styrofoam) and Film Packaging

Kent County is also reminding us that plastic foam (things like styrofoam) and flexible plastic film (bubble wrap, shipping envelopes, cling wrap) also can't just go in your recycling bin. There are special drop-off locations for those types of items. There is currently only one official location in the county to drop off styrofoam (though there are a few other locations that may accept it), but there are several where you can drop off flexible plastics.

Toys & Decor

Basically, these items are generally made of fabrics or a conglomeration of different materials. Bottom line, they can't be recycled.

String Lights

I know! Every year, when you go to use them, some are burned out, or they're too tangled to deal with. But you can't recycle them. There are some places you can drop them off, though! According to Kent County, its North Kent, South Kent, and Wealthy Street SafeChem locations will accept them.