We all know that a lot of waste is created during the holiday season. From excess food waste, broken string lights, new toys replacing old ones, and the need for batteries to power said toys, waste can add up. However, there are many ways that we can prevent and reduce waste without impacting joyful traditions.

Here are a few classic waste reduction tips from the County's Resource Recovery and Waste Management team to remember this holiday season:

• Food Waste: Food waste is a hot topic these days. Food scraps and other organics that go into the landfill cause the production of methane gas, a greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide. Help prevent food waste from going into the landfill by...
  • Reviewing ways to waste less food, like utilizing leftovers and planning ahead
  • Composting your food scraps at home
  • Staying updated on ways your community is helping compost your food scraps from the curb
• Electronic Waste (E-Waste): Lots of folks update or replace old electronics during the holidays. Make sure your old devices get disposed of properly. Electronics should never go in your trash or recycling cart. Take them to one of the many free e-waste drop-off locations throughout the county. You can view them by checking out our e-waste page. Don't forget about the...
• Batteries: Batteries are another hot commodity of the holidays. Batteries can explode or cause fires when improperly handled. Like e-waste, they should never go into your trash or recycling cart. Batteries can be recycled for free at many locations or be collected at your home for free! Learn about curbside battery collection and general battery recycling here.
• Christmas Trees: Did you know we can recycle these into mulch to be used locally? We sure can! Check out our Christmas Tree Recycling page for information on free tree drop-off sites and curbside collection.
• Wrapping Paper: Wrapping paper that is clean and has no glitter, glossy coating, or other ornaments can be recycled in your curbside blue container or composted in your backyard system or through your local organics curbside collection program. Wrapping paper with plastic attachments or glitter should be landfilled.
  • Reduce your wrapping paper waste in the first place! Try to wrap your gifts in fabric scraps, get creative with newspaper clippings, or use reusable totes or textiles, like scarves! Local thrift stores are a great place to look for used textiles.
• Gifts: Try to shop second hand or give the gift of experiences. If there's a special or unique item that you're shopping for, look out for a used version at local thrift stores or at online retailers like E-Bay, Poshmark, or ThreadUp.

Many of the tips and topics we cover on Less Is More also apply to the holidays. Use our nifty search bar above to find information about specific items. You can also contact us with questions or to suggest your favorite waste reduction tips surrounding the holidays.

The Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division of Santa Barbara County Public Works

wishes everyone a safe and cheerful holiday season.