The holiday season is filled with celebrations, decorations, gifts, and, of course, a lot of waste. As the festivities wind down and people pack away their holiday cheer, it's often surprising to see just what ends up in the trash. From the bizarre to the unexpected, the things people throw away after the holidays can tell us a lot about our culture and habits. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the weird and wonderful items people dispose of after the holidays and what you can do to reduce holiday waste.
1. Used Gift Wrap and Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper is one of the most common items discarded after the holidays, but not all wrapping paper is created equal. Many people throw away crumpled or torn wrapping paper, while some even dispose of it before carefully removing the tape or ribbons. What’s strange is that some holiday wrapping paper is not recyclable due to its metallic finishes, glitter, or plastic coatings, which can make it difficult to repurpose.
Why It's Weird:
Many people buy gift wrap every year, often only to use it once. Despite its abundance, wrapping paper can be a significant waste, especially considering the resources that go into its production.
What You Can Do:
Opt for recyclable wrapping paper, reusable gift bags, or eco-friendly alternatives like newspaper, fabric, or old maps. You can also reuse gift wrap if it’s in good condition or recycle it if it’s free from tape and glitter.
2. Christmas Trees (Real and Fake)
Once the holidays are over, Christmas trees—both real and artificial—are often discarded. For real trees, this means taking them to the curb for recycling or composting, while fake trees are usually packed away for another year or thrown out if they’re beyond repair.
Why It's Weird:
Christmas trees, especially the artificial ones, are often made of materials that don’t decompose easily, such as PVC. If not disposed of properly, fake trees can contribute to landfill waste for many years.
What You Can Do:
Recycle your real tree by taking it to a local drop-off point or arranging for curbside pickup. For artificial trees, donate them if they’re in good condition, or consider repurposing them for other projects. If it's time for a new tree, consider investing in a sustainably made artificial tree or a living tree that can be replanted after the season.
3. Broken Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations, especially glass ornaments and fragile lights, often suffer the effects of time and travel. After the holiday season, many people toss broken ornaments, string lights with missing bulbs, or damaged wreaths into the trash, adding to the waste pile.
Why It's Weird:
It’s easy to overlook the fact that many holiday decorations can be repurposed, repaired, or recycled. Rather than tossing them in the trash, consider repairing or upcycling them into new decorations.
What You Can Do:
Look for ways to repair or refurbish broken decorations. Old ornaments can be transformed into fun DIY crafts or turned into eco-friendly decor for next year. If they're no longer usable, look for proper recycling facilities that accept glass and plastic ornaments.
4. Unused Gift Cards and Gift Certificates
It’s not uncommon for people to receive gift cards and certificates they don’t use, either because they’ve forgotten about them or simply don’t find them useful. In some cases, these unused gifts are discarded, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Why It's Weird:
Gift cards are a thoughtful gift, but they often get lost in the shuffle or go unused. The waste comes from both the gift card itself and the unspent value that might expire.
What You Can Do:
Before throwing away unused gift cards, try checking their balances online and re-gifting them to someone who might appreciate them. Alternatively, some retailers allow you to exchange gift cards for others or donate them to charity.
5. Plastic Holiday Cups and Partyware
The holiday season often means parties, and many of these celebrations involve disposable plastic cups, plates, and cutlery. After a gathering, these items are often discarded, contributing to a significant amount of plastic waste.
Why It's Weird:
Plastic waste generated from holiday parties can accumulate quickly, and it’s easy to forget about its environmental impact. These disposable items may take hundreds of years to decompose, harming wildlife and the planet.
What You Can Do:
Consider using reusable cups, plates, and utensils at your next holiday gathering. If you need to use disposable items, opt for those made from compostable or recyclable materials. You can also encourage guests to bring their own cups and create less waste overall.
6. Old or Unwanted Holiday Gifts
It’s a fact of life: not every gift is a perfect fit. After the holidays, many people end up with gifts they don’t need or want, such as clothes that don’t fit, gadgets they already have, or items that simply aren’t their style. Rather than letting these gifts collect dust, some people discard them.
Why It's Weird:
It’s common to receive gifts that don’t suit your taste or needs, but throwing them away is not the most sustainable option. Many unwanted gifts can be reused, recycled, or repurposed.
What You Can Do:
Before tossing unwanted gifts, consider donating them to charity, re-gifting them to someone who might appreciate them, or even selling them online. This way, the gift lives on rather than ending up in a landfill.
7. Food Waste from Holiday Feasts
The holiday season often leads to overindulgence in food. After large family meals, people are left with heaps of leftovers that often end up in the trash. While some food is compostable, much of it ends up in landfills, contributing to unnecessary waste.
Why It's Weird:
Food waste is a global issue, and the holidays exacerbate the problem. Throwing away perfectly good food is not only wasteful but also harmful to the environment.
What You Can Do:
Plan meals carefully to reduce food waste and encourage guests to take home leftovers. If there are any scraps you can’t use, compost them instead of tossing them into the trash. Alternatively, consider donating extra food to local shelters or food banks.
8. Gift Boxes and Packaging
The packaging that comes with gifts can often be a nuisance once the gift is opened. While some people take the time to recycle gift boxes and plastic packaging, others end up throwing them out without thinking about their recyclability.
Why It's Weird:
Gift boxes and packaging are often made from cardboard or plastic, both of which are recyclable materials. Throwing them away without recycling them adds to the waste problem.
What You Can Do:
Make it a habit to recycle all gift packaging after the holidays. Check the packaging labels for recycling instructions, and repurpose sturdy gift boxes for storage or other uses.
Conclusion
The post-holiday period is a time of reflection and renewal, but it’s also an opportunity to consider how much waste we generate and how we can reduce it. By making small, conscious changes—like reusing wrapping paper, recycling decorations, and reducing food waste—you can help cut down on the strange and unnecessary items that end up in the trash. The holidays don’t have to be wasteful; with a little thought and planning, you can make a big difference in reducing your environmental footprint.
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