Posted on December 01, 2025
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We know you know how to recycle. But when family and friends visit for the holidays, their cleanup habits might look a little different.
From shiny wrapping paper to leftover ribbons and bows, it’s easy for visitors to get confused about what belongs in the recycling cart, the garbage, or even hazardous waste!
To make things easier, we created a Holiday Disposal Guide, so you don’t have to play referee at cleanup time.
Naughty (Not Recyclable)
Remember, foil items such as glittery wrapping from gifts or food trays should go into the garbage along with:
- Wrapping paper or gift bags that are glittery, metallic, or shiny
- Tissue Paper or tulle
- Ribbon or bows
- Plastic or Styrofoam packaging materials
- Disposable dishes
- Aluminum food trays and wrapping
- Food scraps and packaging
Nice (Thumbs Up For Your Curb It! Cart)
- Gift bags that are not glittery, metallic, or shiny (just remove the handles)
- Wrapping paper that is not glittery, metallic, or shiny
- Cardboard or gift boxes
- Cards that aren’t glittery, metallic, or shiny
- Envelopes
- Beverage bottles and cans
- Only plastics with twist-off lids
Cheers! (Holiday Empties)
The holiday season means lots of celebrations - and lots of empty cans and bottles! Keep your holiday empties out of the garbage and give them a second life either in your curbside recycling, or:
- Redeem or Donate: Bring your sorted containers to a Metro Redemption Center. You can either take the cash to offset holiday spending or donate your refund to a partnered organization.
From the Metro Waste Authority family to yours, happy holidays!