The holidays are over, and now you’re staring at a pile of tangled lights, broken ornaments, and decorations you no longer want. Sound familiar? Instead of stuffing them back in a box for “next year” (when you know you won’t use them), it’s time to clear them out for good.
But what should you do with old Christmas decorations? Can they be recycled? Should you just throw them away? Here’s a guide to responsibly getting rid of holiday clutter—and how Junk Panda can make the process hassle-free with our seasonal item removal service.
Table of Contents
1. Recycle What You Can
Not all holiday decorations belong in the trash. Many can be recycled or repurposed, helping to keep waste out of landfills.
Christmas Trees – If you have a real tree, check your local recycling program for pickup or drop-off locations. Many cities turn old trees into mulch or compost. (Psst…Junk Panda can haul your tree away, too!)
String Lights – Broken holiday lights? Don’t toss them! Many home improvement stores, like Home Depot and Lowe’s, have recycling programs for old string lights.
Wrapping Paper & Cards – If they’re plain paper (without glitter or foil), they can go in the recycling bin. Otherwise, they’ll need to be trashed.
2. Donate Usable Decorations
If your holiday decorations are still in good shape but no longer fit your style, consider donating them. Many thrift stores, shelters, and community centers gladly accept:
– Artificial Christmas trees
– Wreaths & garlands
– Holiday figurines & ornaments
– Unopened gift wrap & ribbons
Call ahead to confirm what they accept, as donation policies vary.
3. Get Creative with Repurposing
If you enjoy DIY projects, some old decorations can be transformed into something new:
- Broken ornaments? Use them for craft projects or fill clear glass vases for a festive display.
- Holiday cards? Cut them into gift tags for next year.
- Artificial tree branches? Use them in wreaths or table centerpieces.
It’s a fun way to reduce waste while adding a personal touch to future holiday décor!
4. Schedule a Pickup for Easy Removal
Sometimes, decorations are too damaged, bulky, or just plain overwhelming to sort through. If you have:
- An artificial tree that won’t fit in your trash bin
- Boxes of broken ornaments and tangled lights
- Oversized holiday inflatables that have seen better days
Junk Panda can take them off your hands with our seasonal item removal service! We make holiday cleanup easy—no need to haul heavy items or worry about disposal rules.
Let Junk Panda Haul Away Your Holiday Clutter!
Don’t let old Christmas decorations take up space for another year. Junk Panda will clear out your unwanted holiday décor, from Christmas trees to oversized inflatables, so you can start the new year with a clutter-free home.
Call us today at 720-515-2661 to schedule your holiday junk removal!