Cleaning after Christmas? How to recycle trees, decor and old tech

Although it's easy to toss these items into the garbage, most Christmas gift wrapping, decorations and old technology can be recycled, whether at a local recycling center, through a sustainability nonprofit or at several big-name retailers like Lowe's, The Home Depot and Staples.

Gift wrapping products, like cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, gift tissue and bows, are the easiest to recycle. They can simply ‍be broken down, folded up and taken to a local recycling center.

But what about the bigger, bulkier items? Here's how to properly dispose of and recycle Christmas trees, decorations and other old technology you may want to get rid of before the new year.

How do you recycle Christmas trees — real and fake?

Still buy a real Christmas tree? The National Christmas Tree ​Association recommends learning what resources your local recycling center offers for proper disposal. Many provide free Christmas tree drop-off, and others may offer curbside pickup. Ensure all lights and ornaments are removed before recycling.

As for fake Christmas trees, recycling can be a little trickier. Some recycling centers do not accept the materials artificial trees are often made of, like ​polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE). Start by checking which plastics your local recycling center accepts.

If your recycling center cannot accept these plastics, consider donating a fake tree to a thrift store, library, church, charity or school, the Martha Stewart blog recommends.

Several national nonprofits, like Colorado's The Christmas Tree Project, collect fake Christmas trees, clean them up and donate them to families ​who may not be able to afford their own. Though The Christmas Tree Project is local to Colorado Springs, it is just one of many that exist throughout the country.

Feeling crafty? The Martha Stewart blog also recommends reusing an artificial tree ⁠to make a homemade wreath or garland.

How to recycle old Christmas lights, ‍ornaments

It's bound to have happened — you pulled out a string of Christmas lights and plugged them in only to find they have burned out. Instead of throwing the lights in the trash, recycle them. Check to see if your local recycling center or area nonprofits offer holiday light drop-offs.

But what about baubles and ‌pine cones on the tree? Keep America Beautiful, a ‍sustainability nonprofit, advises folks to start by separating out any ornaments that won't be boxed up for next year. If recycling broken ornaments, separate out glass pieces, metal hooks and cardboard packaging. These items can be taken to a local recycling center.

If there are ornaments that are still in good condition ⁠but just aren't for you anymore, consider donating them to a thrift store, charity, church or school.

If your holiday decorations ‌consist of natural pieces, like wreaths, garland or pine cones, these can be composted, Keep America Beautiful says. Just make sure to remove any noncompostable pieces like wires or hooks ahead of time.

Getting rid of old tech before the new year? How to dispose of it properly

After the holidays is a great time to recycle old technology, functional or not.

To start, if you have electronics that work, consider donating them to a charity or thrift store. Functional tech can also often be returned to a manufacturer or retailer.

Most Best Buy stores, for example, accept up to three household electronics a day, including televisions, computers, kitchen appliances and cameras. Folks can trade ⁠in technology for its value back in a Best Buy gift card, if applicable.

Apple also offers its Reuse and Recycling Program. Some products may be eligible for a trade-in credit. Folks can trade in or recycle items in person, at an Apple store or online.

Online retailers like Facebook Marketplace and eBay are other options for getting rid of functional tech and recouping some money.

Before getting rid of, trading in or selling electronics, ensure all your personal information is deleted.

If the electronics don't work, check to ⁠see whether your recycling center accepts them.