Old string lights and electronic decorations don't belong in the trash. Here's how to dispose of them responsibly after the holiday season.
Holiday decorations -- particularly string lights, electronic displays, and battery-powered ornaments -- are among the least-considered e-waste items, yet they contribute millions of pounds of electronic waste annually in the United States.
String lights are the biggest culprit. They contain copper wire, plastic insulation, and small bulbs -- all recyclable, but not in curbside bins. Many Home Depot and Lowe's locations run light recycling programs around the holidays. Call ahead to confirm your local store participates.
Battery-powered decorations should have their batteries removed first. Rechargeable lithium batteries from decorations can go to Call2Recycle drop-offs. Alkaline batteries are technically landfill-legal in most states but are better recycled through programs at Staples or local hazardous waste facilities.
Electronic decorations with circuit boards -- animated displays, projectors, fiber optic items -- qualify as e-waste and should go to a certified recycler. These items are small enough that most certified recyclers will accept them as part of a mixed e-waste drop-off.
If your business uses large-scale holiday displays that you upgrade periodically, contact MicroAnt about including them in a larger pickup. We accept mixed electronics and can handle quantities from a single box to a full pallet.
Need Electronics Recycling in Chicago?
MicroAnt provides free pickup for businesses across the Chicagoland area. Part of the STS Recycling Family - all electronics are processed through STS Electronic Recycling, Inc.'s R2v3-compliant facility. Certificates of recycling and destruction included.