Morris County MUA Offers Holiday Recycling Tips to Reduce Waste

Published on December 18, 2024

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle This Holiday Season 

The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) is encouraging residents to reduce, reuse, and recycle this holiday season to help minimize the amount of trash heading to landfills.  

By making simple choices about recycling and waste reduction, residents can help the environment during one of the busiest times of the year. To learn what materials are accepted in your town’s recycling program, check your municipal website, visit MCMUA.com, or download the Recycle Coach app. 

 Curbside Recycle Guidelines 

Residents can recycle a variety of paper products and containers in their curbside bins if they are empty, clean, and dry: 

• Holiday paper items: Plain wrapping paper (no foil or glitter), gift boxes, gift bags, cards, envelopes, tissue paper, catalogs, and corrugated cardboard boxes. 
• Bottles and containers: Aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, plastic containers coded 1 and 2, and steel/tin cans are all mandated to be recycled in Morris County.  

Check your local program for additional recyclable items, such as aluminum trays, plastics coded 5, and aseptic cartons (e.g., eggnog or milk cartons). Plastic caps should be removed before recycling.  

Items That Should NOT Be Recycled Curbside 

Some holiday items cannot be recycled in your curbside bin: 

• Gift wrap with foil or glitter, cellophane, bows, ribbons, and cards or envelopes with glitter or batteries.
• Most plastic packaging: Plastics numbered 3, 4, 6, or 7 and unmarked plastics are not recyclable.
• Disposable items: Plates, utensils, cups, napkins, straws, and paper towels belong in the trash.
• Food containers: Only recyclable if they are completely clean of food residue. 

Special Recycling Guidelines 

Certain items require special disposal methods to avoid hazards: 

• Batteries: Batteries, including small ones found in musical cards, can start fires when tossed in curbside bins. Follow proper disposal guidelines at mcmua.com/sw_hhw_faq_batteries_household.asp or search recycling sites like Call2Recycle.
• Plastic bags, film, and wraps: Drop these at designated bins near various supermarket entrances. While not recyclable, your local pantry or shelter may collect reusable shopping bags for reuse. Styrofoam: Limited recycling outlets are available; visit earth911.com to locate options.
• Holiday decorations and toys: Scrap metal facilities may accept string lights; call ahead. Otherwise, string lights belong in the trash. Most toys and hangers should go in the trash, although large rigid plastic toys may be accepted at municipal recycling depots. 
• Electronics: They are required by law to be recycled. Electronics can be dropped off at the Household Hazardous Waste site in Mount Olive, municipal programs, or participating electronics stores. The NJDEP maintains a listing of electronic waste drop-off locations throughout the state. 
• Cooking oil: You can drop off used oil at the Household Hazardous Waste site in Mount Olive or at select municipal recycling depots.  

Tips to Reduce Holiday Waste 

1. DIY Gifts and Decorations: Upcycle materials to create unique gifts and decorations. Choose cards and wrapping paper made from recycled content and avoid glitter or foil. 
2. Don’t Bag Recyclables: Place items loose in your curbside bin. 
3. Reduce Food Waste: Cook or order for the appropriate number of people and get creative with leftovers. Use online resources like Savethefood.com for recipes that minimize food waste. 
4. Donate Surplus Food: Many supermarkets offer free turkeys or hams. If you don’t need them, consider donating to a local food pantry. While every pantry has different donation needs, some of the most requested items at food banks are dairy products, fresh foods and vegetables, and lean proteins. However, it is always recommended that you check first to maximize contribution. 

For more recycling guidelines and holiday tips, visit MCMUA.com or contact your local recycling coordinator. 

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Photo #1: A sustainably wrapped gift.

Image #2: Naughty or Nice recycling chart.