The holidays are a time for joy but also generate lots of waste. String lights for Christmas trees and outdoor decor often end up in landfills. Luckily, there are plenty of options for recycling string lights, ensuring they don’t contribute to environmental harm. Here’s everything you need to know to dispose of your old or broken string lights responsibly.

Why Recycle String Lights?

String lights are made of copper, glass, plastic, and, in the case of LED lights, semiconductor materials, all of which can be reused or recycled. However, they also contain non-biodegradable materials and sometimes toxic components, such as lead, which can leach into the environment if improperly disposed of. Recycling ensures these valuable materials are reused while harmful substances are handled safely.

How To Recycle String Lights

1. Drop Them Off at a Recycling Center Many local recycling centers accept string lights as part of their electronic waste programs. Use the Earth911 Recycling Search to find a location near you by entering your ZIP code.
2. Retailer Recycling Programs Big-box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot often offer seasonal recycling programs for string lights. According to Good Housekeeping, these programs are an easy way to ensure your lights are responsibly recycled.
3. Mail-in Recycling Programs Companies like HolidayLEDs provide free recycling programs where you can mail in your old lights. They even offer incentives, such as discounts on new energy-efficient LED lights.
4. City Waste Management Programs Some municipal waste services accept string lights during certain times of the year. For example, Oregon’s Hillsboro Garbage and Recycling Program allows residents to drop off lights at designated locations. Many of these programs are included in the Earth911 Recycling Search service.
5. Retailer Exchange Programs Retailers like Lowe’s and Walmart may offer discounts or incentives for recycling old incandescent lights in exchange for purchasing energy-efficient LEDs. Treehugger and recycling company Rumpke emphasize these programs as a great way to upgrade your holiday décor sustainably.
6. DIY Reuse If your string lights are no longer functional, consider repurposing them for crafts or home decor. Choose a creative way to reduce waste while adding a personal touch to your decorations.

What NOT To Do

• Do Not Throw Them in the Trash: String lights can damage machinery at recycling facilities if improperly sorted or cause environmental harm when sent to landfills.
• Avoid Placing Them in Household Recycling Bins: Most curbside recycling programs do not have sorting machinery equipped to handle string lights unless explicitly accepted. As noted by Yahoo, these items can tangle in recycling equipment and create hazards.

Make the Switch to Sustainable Lighting

As you recycle your old lights, consider switching to LED string lights. LEDs use less energy, last longer than incandescent lighting, and reduce your carbon footprint by consuming less energy. Many recycling programs, such as those from HolidayLEDs, encourage this transition by offering discounts on LED purchases.

Additional Resources

For more tips on recycling and sustainability, visit Earth911’s comprehensive guides and use their Recycling Search tool to find local options for string light recycling. We can make the holiday season a little brighter and much greener!