This document provides 10 tips for reducing waste and recycling right during the holiday season. It notes that 25% more trash is generated between Thanksgiving and Christmas and provides suggestions for gift-giving that don't create waste like spending time together or volunteering. Specific items that can and cannot be recycled are listed. Tips include using reusable packaging, donating unwanted items, considering the environmental impact of decorations and trees, and reducing food waste. The document aims to help people reduce, reuse and recycle more during the holidays.

2. ‘Tis the Season
• 25% more trash and
recycling is collected
between Thanksgiving and
Christmas
• The average American
family spent $750 in 2012

3. Tip 1: Think Outside the Gift
Box
Consider gifts that don’t have to be bought,
wrapped and discarded such as:
• Spending time together
• Attending shows & events
• Seasonal activities
• Going to gatherings
• Volunteering

4. Tip 2: Recycle These Packaging Materials
• Cardboard boxes
• Non-foil gift wrap
• Gift boxes
• Shoe boxes
• Candy boxes
• Craft paper

5. Tip 3: Use Reusable Packaging
Use gift packaging that can be used again,
such as:
• Sturdy gift boxes
• Gift bags

6. Tip 4: Recycle Things from the Mail
• Envelopes
• Greeting cards
• Cardboard boxes
• Catalogs and magazines
• Newspaper and ads

7. Tip 5: Recycle Items from Entertaining
• Plastic bottles and jugs
• Aluminum and metal cans
• Glass bottles and jars (any color)
• Food boxes (i.e. from stuffing and cake
mix)
• Pizza boxes (no food or grease)
• Cartons (e.g. broth and juice)
• Paper grocery bags

8. Naughty List: Do Not Recycle
Do not put these items in your Rumpke Recycling bin
• Ribbons and bows
• Foil and plastic wrap
• Packing peanuts and bubble wrap
• Plastic shopping bags
• Décor (wreaths and garland, etc)
• Hangers
• Batteries

9. Tip 6: Reduce Food Waste
• Don’t prepare more food than you need
• Look for recipes to utilize scrap ingredients
• Use reusable containers
• Send leftovers home with guests

10. Tip 7: Donate Unwanted Items
• Toys
• Books
• Electronics
• Clothing
• Décor

11. Tip 8: Transplant a Tree
Things to consider when purchasing a real
or artificial holiday tree:
• Is it manufactured or grown?
• How long will it last?
• Are recycling options available?
• Where will it end up?

12. Tip 9: Do You Need More Decorations?
Before you buy more décor, ask yourself:
• Will you use it again next year?
• Do you already have one like it?
• Do you really need it?
• Is it worth your time to maintain and store?
• Can it be reused or recycled?

13. Tip 10: Make a Resolution to Recycle Right
Please Recycle:

14. About Rumpke Waste & Recycling
Rumpke Waste & Recycling has been committed to
keeping neighborhoods and businesses clean and green
since 1932 by providing environment friendly waste
disposal and recycling solutions. Rumpke is one of the
nation’s largest privately owned residential and commercial
waste and recycling firms, providing service to areas of
Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia. For more
information, visit www.rumpke.com.

15. Learn More
• Rumpke.com
• RumpkeCleanAndGreen.com
• Facebook.com/RumpkeCo
• Twitter.com/RumpkeNews
• Youtube.com/RumpkeCleanAndGreen (for recycling
videos)

16. About Us
Anne Gray,
Education Specialist
Rumpke Waste & Recycling
Sara Cullin, APR, Senior Corporate
Communications Coordinator
Rumpke Waste & Recycling
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