Manhattan Beach Holiday Light Company Launching Free Light Recycling Drive This January

Lights Up Today, a holiday lighting company based right here in Manhattan Beach, is getting ready for another busy season of lighting up homes, businesses and Christmas trees across the South Bay, the Westside, the Palisades and Malibu.

Owner Ben K. started hanging Christmas lights at 16. What began as a side job with his brothers has grown into more than 5,000 installs, and the crew now lights everything from rooflines to towering palm trees.

This January, Lights Up Today is also launching a holiday light recycling drive. Anyone can drop off old, broken or tangled strands so they stay out of the landfill. More details on drop-off dates and locations will be shared after the holidays.

A few quick tips for decorating at home:
• Use plastic clips instead of staples or nails to hang lights. They're safer and won't damage your gutters or roof.
• Put your display on a timer. It saves energy and you'll never forget to turn it off.
• For your tree, plan on about 100 lights per foot of height. Wrap each branch from the trunk out instead of just circling the outside.
• Hang your biggest ornaments first and deeper in the tree, then fill in with smaller ones so it looks full.
• Leave rooflines, two-story homes and tall trees to a pro. It's not worth the ladder risk.

To book an install or learn more about the recycling drive, call or text (310) 356-9577 or visit lightsuptoday.com.