UPDATE: As the holiday season approaches, Waste Management of Iowa has just released essential recycling guidelines for Creston residents. With Christmas and New Year’s celebrations imminent, many families face the daunting task of managing piles of leftover gift wrap and decorations.

Residents are urged to act NOW! The guidelines aim to foster a sustainable holiday season and minimize waste. Matt McGurn, WM Recycling Operations Director, emphasizes the importance of community involvement:

“We are committed to helping Creston have a successful and sustainable holiday season. We encourage all residents to follow the specific guidelines for items like ribbons, bows, and tissue paper, choosing to reuse or donate whenever possible.”

Here’s how to handle holiday waste effectively:

Key Recycling Tips:
– **Wrapping Paper:** Only plain wrapping paper is recyclable. Avoid foil, glitter, or laminated materials, as they cannot be recycled. Consider alternatives like newspaper, old wallpaper, or fabric for wrapping.
– **Holiday Bags:** Similar to wrapping paper, plain paper holiday bags are recyclable. However, glossy or glitter-decorated bags should be reused rather than thrown away.
– **Ribbons and Bows:** These festive items are non-recyclable. Reuse or donate them to minimize waste.
– **Tissue Paper:** Unfortunately, tissue paper is not recyclable. Keep it for future celebrations or reuse it for gifts throughout the year.
– **Holiday Lights:** Do not place holiday lights in curbside recycling bins. WM advises focusing on reuse for these items.

In addition to recycling guidelines, residents should be aware of changes to trash and recycling pickup due to the holidays. For those with a Thursday pickup, collections will shift to Friday, and all recycling will occur on Saturday. Regular service will resume on January 5, 2024.

This community initiative not only promotes recycling but also supports a strong circular economy. Residents are encouraged to take these guidelines to heart as they prepare for the festivities, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable environment for all.

For more details, visit Waste Management of Iowa’s official website or contact local authorities. Stay informed and help make this holiday season eco-friendly!