Recycling during the holidays in San Antonio, TX

Sure, the holidays are all fun and games — but if you celebrate Christmas, you know that sooner or later you have to deal with that “Night of the Living Dead” tree in the corner and other holiday items. That doesn’t mean everything is dumpster-bound. Instead, we have some tips on how to put an old tree to good use + what to properly recycle in the blue, brown, and green organics cart this holiday season.

For your Christmas Tree:

• The City of San Antonio is providing five locations to turn real Christmas trees into mulch.
• Trees over six feet should be cut in half. Remove all lights, decorations, and stands (even wooden ones). Pro tip: Do not bag trees.
• No live wreaths, garlands, or plants will be accepted.
• Christmas tree mulch will be available at the Bitters Brush Recycling Center, 1800 Wurzbach Pkwy. for free two weeks after — while supplies last.

Now that you know what to do with your piney old friend, we want to help you recycle right with a list of holiday items that should be placed in each of your collection carts.

What goes in the trash bin:

• Styrofoam packing, packing peanuts, cushion air pouches + delivery envelopes with bubble wrap.
• Wrapping paper and seasonal cards with foil or glitter.
• Items that can tangle such as ribbon or cords.
• Glass ornaments and hard plastics like toys or decorations.
• According to the COSA, clothing is not recyclable. Pro tip: donating textiles that are still in good condition to local art non-profits like Spare Parts.

Holiday items that can be recycled in the blue cart:

• Seasonal mail such as catalogs, flyers, coupons, and promotional postcards.
• Flatten cardboard boxes. Pro tip: Extra-large cardboard from appliances or televisions can be taken to Bulky Drop-Off Centers.
• Metal cans, glass + plastic bottles, and boxes of dry goods. Make sure these items are loose, never bagged, and also clean.

Acceptable holiday items in the green organics cart:

• Small, live Christmas trees as long as the lid can close.
• Flowers and decorative plants without a plastic or metal container + excess soil or rock is shaken off.
• Food and table scraps like peels, rinds, husks, nuts, cores, trimmings, baked goods, shells, and cobs.
• Food-soiled paper including pizza boxes, coffee filters, tea bags, and paper to-go food packaging.

One last tip for those gifts that include electronics.

• All battery types must go to Household Hazardous Waste Centers. Do not put batteries into any of the carts.
• Strands of electric lights, electric toys and machines, printer cartridges, cooking oil, paint, and chemicals are also accepted at these drop-off centers.
• Fireworks are not accepted at any HHW location.