How To Recycle Holiday Wrapping, Packing, More In Newtown Township

Press release from the Township of Newtown:

December 26, 2023

The presents are opened...now can I recycling this packaging? Here is some recycling information that should help you in the days after Christmas...

First, check the recycling calendar to verify your next recycling collection date. The week between Christmas and New Years has a 5th Friday this year, so no collections will be taking place on that day.

Second, be sure to check the Public Works Recycling page - it has plenty of information regarding residential recycling in Newtown Township (including a map, listing of streets and other helpful material).

Many well-intentioned people place things into recycling in the days after Christmas which cannot be recycled and can contaminate the good material. Here are some guidelines:

The
Nice List: YES, please do Recycle

The
Naughty List: NO, do not recycle - instead Reuse, Donate or Discard

Contamination of recyclables is a big problem in the industry, and we do not want an entire batch of recycling discarded due to items being placed in which cannot be recycled. Use the above as your guide, and if in doubt, throw it out.

For items like non-working Christmas lights, see if stores like Home Deport or Lowes have a drop off for them - some stores do.

For all electronics and textiles, Newtown Township's partnership with retrievr is a great option. See Public Works' webpage on this topic for more information. While primarily discussing electronics, retrievr collects textiles / clothing too.

Christmas Tree Collections

Public Works will collect real (not artificial) Christmas Trees for recycling from now through Jan. 12. No need to call - just place your tree at the curb with all bags, decorations, lights and tinsel removed. We will be by throughout the two weeks to pick up trees. We will handle chipping them and will re-use the wood chips in public parks and along trails.

Thank you for your efforts to recycle in Newtown Township! Always feel free to visit our Public Works page for links to recycling information, electronic recycling information, household hazardous waste collections and many other services we provide.

This press release was produced by the Township of Newtown. The views expressed here are the author’s own.