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🗑️ How to Responsibly Dispose of Holiday Waste

December 26, 2025 · — Anna

Hey Twin Cities! Executive Producer Anna Weggel here. I hope you are currently laying down on a coach, belly and heart full, maybe watching a light flurry outside your window, thinking about what prestige TV you’re going to stream tonight.

If you live in a present-opening household, allow us to give you some helpful hot tips on how to responsibly dispose of your holiday waste. But no pressure to get off the couch right now. If you’re cozy, stay there as loooooong as you like.

Today's Must-Know

a tree next to a garbage can
Let’s tackle the annual holiday waste dilemma. (Richard Clark / Getty Images)

Now that that holiday excitement is beginning to turn into “new year, new me” energy, an important question remains: What should you do with all that torn up wrapping paper? And what about the Christmas tree that’s been dropping pine needles all over your rug? Here are some tips for recycling and responsibly disposing of holiday waste.

Is Gift Wrapping Recyclable?

The short answer: Probably not. Most of the gift wrapping paper on the market is non-recyclable. Putting it in the recycling bin can contaminate the rest of the load, meaning that all the contents will go to the landfill. The same goes for items like ribbons, holiday cards, and anything that glitters.

How to Dispose of a Christmas Tree

  • 🎄 Natural trees: In most cases, you can recycle a natural tree through the regular streetside program if it can fit in the bin, but your best bet is to recycle it through the city. Most recycled trees are turned into wood chips, mulch, or compost, so be sure to prep your tree for recycling by removing any decor, lights, and non-organic items. You can also get creative and repurpose your tree for other home projects.
  • 🎄 Artificial trees: If the tree is in decent condition, and you’re just ready for a new one, consider donating it to a local organization or charity. The Christmas Tree Project also accepts tree and decoration donations to distribute to families in need around the world.
a person shoving wrapping paper into a garbage can
Take that gift wrap out of the recycling bin! Non-recyclable items can contaminate an entire load. (Elva Etienne / Getty Images)

What to Do with Old Decorations

If you have unusable decorations or holiday lights, recycle them at one of the city’s drop-off locations. Some Home Depot and Ace Hardware locations will take your faulty holiday lights and recycle them for you.

Are your decorations in good working order? Give them a new life by donating them to a local organization, a thrift store, or hardware store.

I’ll leave you with one last tip for the overachievers out there: take notes on how to reduce your holiday waste next year.

What to Do

Friday December 26

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Happy Holidays and thank you so much for being a friend of City Cast!

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