Local resources for sustainable holiday waste disposal

LEAVENWORTH – According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the amount of household garbage in the United States can increase by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, from 4 million tons to 5 million tons. However, there are a number of local options to ensure post-holiday waste is disposed of sustainably.

Christmas trees may be composted through Winton MFG, a composting facility located near Cole’s Corner, for a $5 fee. The proceeds will be donated to Upper Valley Connection, a recreation program for youth and adults with special needs. Trees should be free of all tinsel and decorations before dropping off. Winton is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter, and is located at 17400 Winton Road, Leavenworth. 

Composting scraps and leftovers from holiday meals is also an option through the Winton’s community composting program. Sign up for $5 a month and receive a bucket for collecting food waste. Compost materials may be dropped off at a number of sites throughout the valley.

Before throwing any broken string lights in the trash, consider bringing them to the Leavenworth Recycling Center through the month of January. Waste Loop, a sustainability nonprofit that manages the center, will take the broken lights to Wenatchee Valley Salvage and Recycling, where they will be shredded into component parts such as copper, glass, and plastic, and recycled separately into new products. 

Wrapping paper and cardboard may also be brought to the facility for recycling. However, not all wrapping paper is recyclable, such as metallic, shiny, and glittery papers that are typically a plastic and paper composite. If paper excludes these elements but seems questionable, crumple it into a ball and see if it holds its shape. If it does, it is likely recyclable. If it doesn’t, it should be saved for future gifts, or placed in the trash. Be sure to remove ribbons and bows before recycling, which can also be saved for next year’s gifts.

Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and paperboard can also be recycled at the center. Leave the New Year’s champagne bottles at home however, as glass recycling is still on pause. Recycling center winter hours are Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Saturday hours reopening on Jan. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The recycling center is located at 216 14th Street, Leavenworth.

Still uncertain about which materials should go where? Sustainable NCW’s Waste Wizard is a comprehensive guide for properly recycling, reusing, donating or disposing of waste in Chelan and Douglas Counties. Options for items in question can be searched at: sustainablencw.org/wastewizard.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media