Holidays make the perfect occasion for recycling

DOVER (Dec. 22, 2011) – The holidays are the perfect time to trim your “waste line” and protect the environment by recycling all those extra mail order boxes, empty packages, gift wrappings, tags and cards. It’s easier than ever to recycle these holiday items and more through Delaware’s Universal Recycling program, and keeping them out of the state’s landfills is a holiday gift to the earth.

Recycling is easier because it’s more streamlined than ever in the state. “Single-stream” recycling makes it easier this holiday season because no sorting is needed: simply throw all your recyclables into your recycling container. More plastics are acceptable now too! Check with your recycling collector, but most programs now accept at least the following types of plastics: 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7.

You’ll easily find these numbers inside a recycling symbol embossed somewhere on each plastic container. The number corresponds to the type of plastic resin that makes up the item. Not all plastics are the same.

For an easy reference, please check out the new comprehensive “How to Recycle” guide prepared by DNREC and DSWA. It is available online at www.recycling.delware.gov. The Guide’s center page has a handy list and images of items that can be recycled in Delaware:

Single-stream recycling has already been provided to single family residential homes and multi-family units are next in line to be provided the service by January 2013. For those residents who are not yet in a single-stream recycling program, DSWA recycling drop-off centers are available statewide. Find one near you at www.dswa.com/programs_dropoff.asp

Here are some helpful tips for recycling this season as well as for reducing and reusing materials for the holidays next year: 

• Recycle unwanted boxes, wrapping paper (without foil backing), card stock type gift tags, cards and envelopes along with all the holiday catalogues and promotional mail. Don’t include tissue paper.
  
   
• Recycle your Christmas tree from December 27 to January 27, 2012 at a drop-off site or yard waste recycling facility. Please keep and reuse ornaments and lights; they cannot be recycled with the tree. Christmas trees are not accepted at Delaware State Parks this year.
  
   
• Collect and reuse boxes, ribbons, bows and other gift decorations for next year.
  
   
• Save used Christmas cards to cut up as gift tags for next year.
  
   
• Use dishes, silverware and cloth napkins instead of disposable utensils, Styrofoam and paper products.

More information on recycling is available online at www.recycling.delaware.gov or by calling DNREC’s Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances, 302-739-9403. 

Vol. 41, No. 475