Recycling Trees, Gift Wrap And More: Metro Guidelines

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to figure out what to do with all the boxes, packaging, gift wrap and bows and ribbons that are left from gift giving. The Metro Waste Authority recycling guide can help you figure out what goes where as you get the house back in shape and replace some of your used goods with new holiday purchases.

First, tossing live greenery: Live trees will be picked up at the curb for customers of the Metro Waste Authority, but wreaths and garland will not be accepted. Be sure to remove tinsel, decorations and stands from the trees and do not place them in bags. Curbside collection runs Jan. 2 through 12 on your regular collection day in most communities. In some cities, the $1.25 Metro Waste stickers are required; check with City Hall.

Now, a rule about gift wrap: Brown paper and regular wrapping paper with print on one side can be recycled; foil or glitter paper goes in the trash, along with tissue paper.

When it comes to boxes, all cardboard, including gift boxes and the packaging of an item — with plastic inserts and styrofoam removed — should be recycled.

According to the Metro Waste Authority, here's where to toss your holiday goods:

• Recycle: Catalogs, paper mail, brown craft paper and bags, non-metallic wrapping paper, cardboard wrapping paper tubes, boxes, plastics with twist-off lids, and plastic, aluminum and glass beverage bottles and cans.
• Trash: Bubble wrap, packing peanuts and other foam packing materials, ribbons and bows, garland and tinsel, decorations, tissue paper, aluminum pans and baking trays, disposable dishes and cutlery, plastic bags.
• Metro hazardous waste site drop-off: Christmas lights, cooking oils (vegetable, canola, corn and peanut — but no grease), and computers and related electronics.

Some metro-area communities have additional guidelines for holiday item collections:

• Johnston: Holiday tree collection ends Jan. 8 for residents who live west of 86th Street and Jan. 9 for those who live east of 86th Street.
• Urbandale: Residents also may get rid of yard waste in Metro Compost It bags during the two weeks of tree collection. Stickers are not required for trees.
• West Des Moines: Only residents receiving city-provided waste disposal may dispose of trees at the curb.

Keep in mind, officials said, that all recycling items must fit in containers; items placed next to bins will not be collected. If your items to dispose of exceed the space in your cart, you may take excess items to the Compost Center at the Metro Park East landfill near Mitchellville. Yard waste is accepted there year-round for composting.

Photo via City of Johnston