2023 Holidays Generate 44,000 Tons of Waste in Oneida and Herkimer Counties in New York

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): With the holiday season here, the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority has released waste and recycling statistics from last year’s festivities. During the 2023 holiday season, residents in Oneida and Herkimer counties generated over 44,000 tons of waste and 10,000 tons of recyclable materials, according to the Authority. To help reduce waste and enhance recycling efforts, they have shared reminders and tips for properly disposing of common holiday items, such as wrapping paper, gift bags, decorations and trees. According to the Authority, wrapping paper can only be recycled during the two weeks following Christmas.

“Recycling mills anticipate that there is going to be a large amount of wrapping paper this time of year and accept it for recycling so it is not all landfilled. To recycle your wrapping paper, please fold and place it in your recycling bin with the rest of your loose, mixed recyclables. Do not place it in a bag or tie it together with string. Foil wrapping paper, metallic wrapping paper, tissue paper, ribbons and bows are not recyclable and should be placed in your garbage when you are no longer able to reuse them,” according to the solid waste organization.

Plain paper gift bags are recyclable. “Gift bags with different layers or gift bags decorated with ribbons, glitter and foil and not accepted for recycling. Please reuse these items or place them in your garbage for disposal. Greeting cards and envelopes are accepted for recycling, just be sure to remove any gifts that could be inside before placing them in your recycling bin,” the Authority reminds residents.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com