Wellesley RDF’s 2023
Holiday Waste Reduction Guide
Remember: between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, household waste increases by more than 25% - over 1,000,000 tons per week.
Use the 3R tips below to make the holiday season greener:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
1. Donations - Reduce by donating clothing, toys & unwanted gifts. Contact
Big Brother Big Sister Foundation - they do free home pick-ups of clothing & more.
Learn more at bbbsfoundation.org or call 508-466-4590. And donate food
to our local Wellesley Food Pantry: wellesleyfoodpantry.org 781-235-1188
2. Gift buying & giving - Remember wrapping paper is NOT recyclable! Use reusable bags & recycled materials, choose rechargeable toys & batteries, shop locally to both support businesses & reduce your shipping costs + packaging! Consider event tickets, museum memberships, a donation to a charity in the person’s name, OR your own handmade food or gifts.
3. Decorations - Choose Energy Star energy-efficient lighting - LED outdoor holiday lights use only 1/50th of conventional lights. Save ribbons, bows, boxes, bags & décor for the next holiday. Use a potted tree that can be replanted and recycle all trees, wreaths & brush at the RDF (remove all decorations 1st please).
4. Clean Up - Reuse packing & shipping materials! Wrapping paper & styrofoam are NOT recyclable! Recycle your: electronics & batteries, all clean flattened cardboard, mixed ‘office’ paper. Note: Holiday lights and extension cords can be recycled in the metals recycling area (Copper container)!