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Over the holidays, we generate 25% more waste than other times of the year.  

But, what if we think about how and what we're going to purchase?  

Is there an alternative that doesn't generate trash?

Ideas
  • Memberships to local attractions
  • Gift cards to local restaurants or cinemas
  • Gift of health through massage, spas, or other local establishments
  • Handmade coupons for babysitting, dinner or similar helpful activity
  • Electronic holiday cards
  • A monetary gift to a loved one's favorite charity
So, you've thought about your purchases.  You've made your list and are ready to go.  How is the item packaged? 

Yes, over 33% of trash comes from packaging.  Don't forget to use a reusable tote bag for holiday shopping. 
Now, on to gift wrapping.  

Non-metallic gift wrap can be recycled, but what comes before recycling?  Reuse!  

Don't forget about your reusable gift bags nestled in the back of the linen closet from last year.
 

Rather than wrapping gifts in paper that will be destroyed in seconds, present them in containers people can use: a gift for an avid cook inside a fruit bottling jar, wrapped in a pretty drying-up cloth or vintage cake tin; a gift for a gardener inside a flower pot; a gift for a child inside a flannel or knitted hat; a gift for anyone wrapped in a vintage scarf or cushion cover.

Here are some great choices for unusual gifting presentation.

If you do buy wrapping paper, make sure it's made from post-consumer recycled paper and is non-metallic. Less ink and non-shiny surfaces make it easier to recycle

Holiday Entertaining

Here are some great ideas for keeping the spirit in your entertainment plans!  And, don't forget about food waste. Only buy what you need and remember just about anything can go in the freezer.  
 
Mark your Calendars
The recycling trailers will be closed on December 25 and January 1.  

Electronics recycling at 1430 Meyer Road will be closed December 24, 25 & 26.  OmniSource will also be closed on January 1 & 2.  

Remember, the community recycling trailers are available free of charge to Allen County residents.   If shipping boxes are beginning to stack up at your house and your recycling bin capacity is stretched, break down and flatten the boxes and bring them to any of these locations:

Sam's Club

6736 Lima Road

Southgate Plaza  (behind)

281 East Pettit Avenue

Stellhorn Village

4522 Maplecrest Road

United Refuse

5000 Smith Road

Leo-Cedarville

14701 Schwartz Road
An attendant is present to answer any questions.

Hours for all Sites:

Monday: 8 am until 4 pm
Tuesday and Wednesday: 12 noon until 4 pm
Thursday and Friday: 9 am until 5 pm
Saturday: 8 am until 4 pm
Sunday: Closed
Click here for  recycling tips.

Monroeville Area Recycling


 


Christmas Tree Recycling
December 26 - January 15

Christmas trees will NOT be picked up with regular trash.
Ornaments, tinsel and plastic bags MUST be removed.
Wreaths NOT accepted.

Drop-off Locations

Fort Wayne Area
Allen County Highway Garage
2234 Carroll Rd
 
Foster Park -West Side
Soccer Field Parking Lot
 
Foellinger Theatre- Southwest Corner 
Back Parking Lot
 
McMillen Park-Pool Parking Lot
 
Republic Services-Compost Site
6231 MacBeth Rd
M-F: 8a-5p, Sa: 8a-12 Noon
(closed New Year's Day)
 
Bio-Solids, Lime & Yard Waste Recycling
6202 Lake Avenue, M-F: 8a-3p
(closed New Year's Day)

Grabill /  Leo-Cedarville Area
Metea County Park
8401 Union Chapel Road
(gates close at 6pm daily)

Monroeville Area
Monroeville Compost Site
200 Utility Drive

New Haven Area
Jury Park
Meadowbrook School-Parking Lot
City Hall- North Side
815 Lincoln Highway East

Woodburn Area
Front Street under the Water Tower



449.7878





Contact:
Allen County Solid Waste Management District
One East Main Street, Suite 755
Fort Wayne, IN  |  260.449.7878