City Encourages Post-Holiday Recycling, Offers Tips, Resources

Pasadena’s Public Works Department is encouraging residents to recycle their post-holiday items, from trees to wrapping paper, in an effort to promote sustainability and reduce waste.

Curbside pickup for Christmas trees will be available through January 16. Place the whole tree out on the parkway without the stand, lights and ornaments.

After the regular two-week tree pickup period, residents are asked to trim their trees to fit in yard waste containers for recycling, ensuring that the lid can close.

Now the holiday season has come to a close, the department has compiled a list of recycling tips to help residents dispose of their holiday items in an environmentally friendly manner. 

Christmas Trees

Recycle a real Christmas tree:

• REMOVE all stands, ornaments, and lights
• Place on your curb for collection

Dispose of a flocked tree:

• REMOVE all lights
• Place in your mixed waste container to go to the landfill

Dispose of an artificial tree:

• Consider donating or selling your tree if it is still in good condition or
• Place in your mixed waste container to go to the landfill (Remove lights and close lid)

Wrapping Material and Greeting Cards

Recyclable:

• Plain wrapping paper
• Plain holiday greeting cards
• Cardboard boxes
• Plain paper bags
• #1 and #2 plastics

Not Recyclable:

• Metallic, shiny, or glittery wrapping paper or greeting cards
• Bows
• Cards that play music (remove the battery within and drop off at participating libraries)

• Lights

If the lights still work:

• Consider donating, reselling, or offering to a friend or neighbor

If the lights don’t work:

• Broken/old holiday lights are considered e-waste and should not be put in your trash or recycling. They should be taken to an e-waste recycling locations:
• One-Day E-Waste Events
• S.A.F.E Collection Centers

Residents with questions or needing additional information are encouraged to contact the Citizen Service Center at (626) 744-7311. The center is equipped to provide assistance and answer queries related to the city’s recycling program.