November 19, 2025
The holidays bring joy, celebration, and, inevitably, a mountain of packaging. From gift wrap and cardboard boxes to bubble wrap and foam inserts, the post-celebration cleanup can feel overwhelming. For Denver residents committed to sustainability, figuring out what can and can’t be recycled is a challenge. This guide provides clear, practical steps for responsible and eco-friendly disposal of your holiday materials, helping you keep the festive spirit without the environmental footprint.
Managing this influx of materials is more than just a chore; it’s an opportunity to make a positive impact. By understanding local Denver waste solutions and embracing sustainable practices, you can significantly reduce the amount of holiday waste that ends up in landfills. Let’s break down how to handle everything from shiny wrapping paper to those pesky electronics boxes.
Navigating the rules of recycling can be tricky, especially with seasonal items. Here’s a simple breakdown of common holiday packaging to help you sort with confidence.
The holidays often mean welcoming new items into our homes, which requires making space by removing old ones. From new televisions to upgraded furniture, the disposal of large items requires a different approach than just tossing them in a bin.
Being a resident of Denver gives you access to specific programs designed to make holiday cleanup easier and more sustainable. Staying informed about local guidelines is key to effective recycling.
The City of Denver provides comprehensive composting and recycling services. For holiday-specific items, it’s always best to check the latest guidelines from Denver’s Recycle, Compost & Trash services. They offer clear directives on what goes in your purple recycling bin.
One of the biggest holiday items to dispose of is the Christmas tree. Denver’s Treecycle program is a fantastic resource for giving your tree a second life by turning it into mulch. Look for drop-off locations or curbside pickup schedules announced by the city after the holidays.
When the volume and variety of post-holiday clutter become too much to handle through regular city services, that’s where a local partner like Junk Be Gone can help. We provide Denver junk removal that prioritizes eco-friendly disposal, ensuring as much of your unwanted material as possible is recycled or donated.
Don’t let post-holiday cleanup stress you out. Whether it’s piles of cardboard, old electronics, or unwanted furniture, Junk Be Gone offers fast, friendly, and sustainable disposal solutions for the Denver area. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can relax and enjoy your newly organized space.
What’s the easiest way to test if my wrapping paper is recyclable?
The “scrunch test” is the best way. Take a piece of the wrapping paper and scrunch it into a tight ball. If it stays balled up, it’s likely plain paper and can be recycled. If it springs back open, it probably contains plastic or foil and belongs in the trash.
Can I recycle the cardboard box my online order came in if it has tape on it?
Yes, you can. Recycling facilities have processes to remove small amounts of tape, so you don’t need to peel it all off. However, it’s helpful to remove excessive amounts of plastic tape. Always be sure to break the boxes down flat.
What should I do with old or broken Christmas lights?
Christmas lights should never go in your residential recycling bin as they can tangle in the machinery. These are considered e-waste. Many hardware stores offer take-back programs during the holidays, or you can contact a junk removal service that handles electronics recycling to dispose of them properly.
Are packing peanuts recyclable?
The traditional polystyrene foam packing peanuts are not recyclable and should be thrown away. However, some are now made from a biodegradable corn starch material. To test, run one under water—if it dissolves, it’s biodegradable. If not, it’s foam and belongs in the trash.
