Look up recycling and disposal options at pinellas.gov/where

xmas wasteBetween Thanksgiving week and New Year’s Day, Americans generate an estimated 25% more waste than usual. The good news is that almost 80% of what is thrown away during the holidays could be recycled or reused.

Pinellas County residents can find out how to recycle or dispose of Christmas trees, holiday decorations and gift packaging by using the Where Does It Go? Search Tool at pinellas.gov/where.

Christmas trees

The Where Does It Go? Search Tool includes Christmas tree collection and drop-off information for Pinellas County. Once on the site, select “Homes” and search “Christmas trees” to find reuse and disposal options. Remove all decorations and lights before tree pickup or drop-off.

Many local governments in Pinellas County offer programs that repurpose natural Christmas trees into mulch and provide the mulch for free to residents for their landscaping. This gives the trees a second life and helps conserve our limited landfill space. B-roll of Pinellas County’s tree-to-mulch operations is available here.

Holiday recycling dos and don’ts

Not everything festive belongs in your recycling bin. Here’s what to include and what to keep out.

The following items can be placed in your recycling bin:

  • Wrapping paper (no foil, plastic or glitter gift wrap)
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Paper boxes
  • Paper cards and envelopes (no glitter, plastic or foil)
  • Catalogs
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Plastic bottles and jugs
  • Aluminum, tin and steel cans

The following items will contaminate recycling, so they should be kept out of your recycling bin and reused, donated or placed in your trash container:

  • Christmas lights
  • Garland and tinsel
  • Foil wrapping paper
  • Ribbons and bows
  • Bubble wrap
  • Plastic air pillows
  • Styrofoam and other foam products
  • Paper and plastic plates
  • Plastic utensils
  • Plastic bags
  • Batteries (see Pinellas.gov/batteries for safe disposal instructions)

For more information about holiday recycling, reuse and more, view the Holiday and Gift Giving Guide at Pinellas.gov/HolidayGuide.