Christmas Tree Reuse and Recycling

Chandler Holiday Recycling Tips

Christmas Tree Reuse and Recycling

· If you use a cut tree make sure you recycle it. Christmas trees are chipped and reused at City of Chandler parks. Visit www.chandleraz.gov/recycle or call Solid Waste Services at 480-782-3510 for more information

· Buy a live tree and replant in your yard or donate the tree for replanting at City parks by dropping off at the City's Community Center or can be scheduled for pick up by calling 480-782-2745.

Greeting Cards

· Send an e-card.

· Reuse the cards. Cut up and use your holiday greetings cards as gift tags next year.

· Save cards with pictures in photo albums you buy or make.

Grocery Tips

· Buy in bulk. Buy your holiday cooking items in bulk and use the extra throughout the season.

This eliminates extra trips to the grocery store and reduces excess packaging.

· Consider not buying single-use items for the big holiday meal. Make it special. Use the real stuff including cloth napkins, drinking glasses and silverware instead of disposable paper and plastic products.

· Just say no to paper and plastic bags. Bring your own reusable shopping bag. If you use a plastic or paper bag, reuse it, then recycle plastic bags at local grocers and paper bags in your blue curbside recycling container.

Holiday Entertaining

· Make recycling easy for guests. Place an in house recycling basket next to the trash container.

· Ask your invited guests to bring reusable containers. You know you will cook too much. They can take home the leftovers...

· Need extra tables, chairs or even another grill? Consider borrowing or renting the items that you will only use occasionally. That may save you money.

· Compost. Compost your food waste. Fruits and vegetables are perfect ingredients.

Shop for Gifts that Reduce Waste

· Keep it simple. One thoughtful gift is better than six wrapped packages of unwanted gifts.

· Give gift certificates for restaurants, gym membership, car washes, spas, magazine subscriptions and so much more.

· Give tickets for movie, concerts museums or sporting events.

· Give the gift of your time by offering to clean someone’s house, watch their children, help with their pet, or run their errands.

· Give homemade. Who doesn’t like homemade cookies and other goodies? Give your homemade goodies in a tin, jar or basket that can be reused. Give handmade crafts or framed photographs.

· Avoid gag gifts. They often quickly become trash. You save money, too.

· Shop for products that are not over packaged, are made from recycled content or can be recycled.

· Give gifts that keep on giving. Consider a battery charger, a plant, or a reusable coffee mug or water bottle.

· Buy rechargeable batteries. It’s the perfect time –when you buy new electronics. City of Chandler’s provides recycling options for rechargeable batteries at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. Call 480-782-3510 for details.

Let’s Wrap It Up (or not)

· Don’t wrap at all. Tickets, gift certificates, house plants are good to go. See ideas above.

· Tie a ribbon. When giving oversized gifts – like a bicycle – don’t wrap them. Just tie a bow around them.

· Make the wrap part of the gift. Give your homemade cookies in a reusable tin. Kitchen gifts can be wrapped in a colorful dish towel. Tools for a gardener can be placed in a flowerpot or planter.

· Reuse. If you have to wrap, wrap gifts in old maps, blue prints, and newspapers of the Sunday comics. Wrap a sports gift with the newspaper’s sports section.

· Reuse wrapping paper and ribbons when possible. Choose gift bags and boxes and reuse for next year.

· Save your cardboard boxes, packing peanuts and bubble wrap. Use them again or give them to someone or a shipping business.