What We See Most in December (And How You Can Cut It Down!)
December is one of the busiest – and most wasteful – months of the year. Between holiday parties, gift giving, and winter cleanups, our bins and drop-off yard see a big surge in seasonal waste. While we’re always here to help you dispose of things properly, a few small swaps can make a big difference in cutting down what ends up in the landfill.
Here’s a look at the most common holiday waste we see each December – and some simple changes that help keep your celebrations a little greener.
1. Disposable Cups & Coffee Shop Waste
From hot chocolates at parades to on-the-go holiday lattes, disposable cups pile up fast this time of year. They fill bins quickly and aren’t as easily recyclable as many people think.
Easy Swap:
Bring a reusable travel mug wherever you go this season. Most coffee shops will happily fill it – and some even offer a discount.
2. Plastic Cutlery & Party Plates
Holiday dinners, office gatherings, kids’ concerts… December is packed with events, and single-use party supplies make up a surprising amount of what we collect.
Easy Swap:
Use real dishes and cutlery whenever possible. If you’re hosting a crowd and need extras, look for compostable options made from bamboo or paper fiber.
3. Wrapping Paper, Bows & Gift Packaging
Shiny, glittery, coated wrapping paper is festive – but not recyclable. We see bags and bags of it every year, along with crumpled gift wrap, broken bows, and mountains of packaging.
Easy Swap:
Reusable gift bags, cloth wraps, or simple kraft paper not only look great but can be reused again and again.
4. Cardboard Boxes (So Many Boxes!)
Online shopping ramps up in December, and so does the cardboard. The good news? Cardboard is widely recyclable – but it must be clean, dry, and (hopefully) flattened.
Pro Tip:
Break down boxes before putting them in your bin to save space and improve recycling efficiency.
5. Old Décor & Burnt-Out Lights
Every year, we see strings of tangled lights, cracked ornaments, broken inflatables, and tired holiday décor that didn’t survive another season.
Better Option:
Many retailers and recycling depots offer seasonal light recycling programs. Donate décor that still works – someone else may love it!
6. Food Waste
Big meals mean big leftovers… and sometimes, bigger waste piles. Food waste increases dramatically in December.
Easy Swap:
Plan your menus with portions in mind, freeze leftovers, and use up meal scraps creatively. Your food scrap bin will thank you.
Celebrate the Season – Sustainably
With a few simple swaps, you can reduce your waste footprint and make a real impact. And if you do have extra waste this holiday season, from packaging to household cleanouts, we’re here to help. Our bins and drop-off yard make cleanup simple, so you can book online and keep waste from becoming snow-verwhelming.