Happy Holidays! Even though the list of items accepted for recycling does not change with the holiday season, we tend to notice an influx of unacceptable holiday-themed items at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) this time of year. This is often a result of mass shopping, over-consumption, and increased waste production. To avoid sending nonrecyclable items to the MRF (thus saving you and the workers time and energy), we've included a list of some common holiday items and where they should go when they're no longer usable:

• Wrapping Essentials - Items such as plastic gift bags, tissue paper, cellophane, wrapping paper that contains glitter or foil, bows, ribbons, and tape are not accepted curbside or at the drop-off sites. Reuse these items when possible, otherwise place them with your household garbage. However, paper-only wrapping, paper gift bags, and packing paper that often comes as padding can be recycled.

• Electronics - Whether it's an old toy or broken string lights, electronics of any kind are not recyclable. If still usable, toys can be given a second life at a local charity or secondhand store. The batteries or other unusable electronics, however, should be saved for the next HHW Collection Event (April 2023). Batteries can also be taken to ERG Environmental Services in Livonia. Check locally to see drop-off locations for broken string lights.

• Christmas Trees & Ornaments - Unwanted ornaments can be donated as well. If they are broken, throw them in the trash. In addition to discarding your natural Christmas tree at the curb, it can also be taken to Tuthill Farms & Composting in South Lyon for proper recycling after removing all artificial decorations - check the Recycling Directory or visit their website for more information. Trees that are entirely artificial are not recyclable and should be either donated or placed at curbside for regular trash pickup.

• Clothing & Linens - Getting a wardrobe update during the holiday season is common, but that doesn't mean your old clothes can be recycled by traditional means. That also doesn't mean they should be landfilled, either! Donate your clothes to a local charity or secondhand store to let them be loved again. RRRASOC residents can also take advantage of Simple Recycling services from their own home.

For instructions on how to dispose of other common (or uncommon) holiday items, check out the Recycling Directory at rrrasoc.org. From there, you can search any item, view the event calendar, schedule a Simple Recycling pickup, and so much more!

As explained above, certain types of gift wrap and bags are not recyclable. You can easily avoid this issue by utilizing different materials instead - try reusable!

Fabric

Wrapping with fabric allows it to be reused or repurposed by the recipient. If your gift contains a blanket, towel, or clothing, try using it as the gift wrap! That way, you're creating zero waste and getting creative! It's a win-win!

Paper From Around the House

Do you have old newspapers lying around? What about office paper or packing paper? Use these to wrap your gifts this year to keep it simple, yet neat!

Paper Bags

Whether it's from the supermarket or from a friend, paper bags are always a great option to conceal your gifts. They're easy, reusable, and recyclable (if they don't contain glitter, plastics, foil, or fabric handles)!

Please note that because Christmas Day and New Year's Day both fall on a Sunday this year, there will be no delay or disruption to your normal curbside pickup service.

Please set your curbside bins or carts out as scheduled.

Thank you!

Thanks to your dedication, we've hit a huge subscriber milestone! With just over 4,000 avid recyclers reading our monthly e-newsletter, we're incredibly thankful to be able to share our extensive recycling knowledge and tips on how you can live a sustainable lifestyle and enjoy everything that comes with it. We hope our newsletters have helped you to improve your recycling habits, become more aware of what goes where, and gain an understanding of how your actions can help our communities thrive.

We can't wait to reach even more community members in 2023 - share this newsletter with your friends, family, and coworkers to spread the message! On behalf of everyone at RRRASOC, we hope you have a great holiday season and look forward to seeing you at the drop-off sites and HHW collection events in the new year!

During the following HHW Collection Events, all residents of RRRASOC member communities are welcome to bring household hazardous waste for an opportunity to safely discard their hazardous items and e-waste. Simple Recycling and paper shredding services will also be available.

April 15th, 2023 👕

Wixom Dept. of Public Works

2041 Charms Rd., Wixom

9:00am - 2:00pm

April 22nd, 2023 👕

RRRASOC MRF - Truck Entrance

20875 Mapleridge Ave., Southfield

9:00am - 2:00pm

May 6th, 2023

Oakland Community College

Orchard Ridge Campus Lot 8

27055 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills

May 20th, 2023 👕

Milford Civic Center

1100 Atlantic St., Milford

Enter from West, off Mont Eagle St.

July 15th, 2023 👕

Wixom Dept. of Public Works

2041 Charms Rd., Wixom

9:00am - 2:00pm

October 7th, 2023

Novi Dept. of Public Works

26300 Lee BeGole Dr., Novi

9:00am - 2:00pm

October 28th, 2023 👕

RRRASOC MRF - Truck Entrance

20875 Mapleridge Ave., Southfield

9:00am - 2:00pm

*The T-shirt icon indicates an HHW Collection Event during which clothing, shoes, accessories, and small household items will be accepted by Simple Recycling.

For more information about HHW events and how to prepare your items, please visit our HHW page.

If you have HHW that you'd like to properly dispose of between collection events, you're in luck! Drop off your HHW without a fee at ERG Environmental Services during the following hours:

Updated Winter Hours:

Monday - Friday:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Want more tips, tricks, and updates about recycling? We have a Facebook page where we can reach each other to make recycling easier. You can also reach us via RRRASOC.org and email at education@rrrasoc.org!

RRRASOC - Recycling Authority | 248-208-2270 | rrrasoc.org