Recycling over the Holidays: Christmas Lights & More!

Christmas Light Recycling

Strings of unwanted Christmas lights may be dropped-off for recycling beginning December 6, 2021 through January 31, 2022. Residents may place strings of lights in the specially-marked, blue, outdoor collection box at the Macon County Environmental Management Recycling Center at 1750 N. 21st St., Decatur.

Residents may drop-off both working and non-working strings of lights. Bulbs do not need to be removed from strands of lights to be recycled but all packaging and any other attachments such as hangers, garland or decorations should be removed before dropping-off.

Questions may be directed to the Macon County Environmental Management Department at 217-425-4505.

Cut Trees

To manage cut trees, first remove everything from the tree including the stand, lights, decorations & plastic. Then choose one of the following options.

• Ask the tree retailer about return & mulch programs
• Call your waste hauler for their pick-up schedule
• Drop-off at the compost site at 3520 N. Bearsdale Road, Decatur, IL (M-F 8:00 am – 4:00 pm); phone 217-424-1626

Wrapping Paper, Cards & Boxes

To recycle paper wrapping and cardboard or paperboard packaging, first remove any ribbons, plastics & foils. Boxes may be broken down to take up less space. Then, place the items in curbside recycling or drop it off at one of the ten single-stream drop off boxes located throughout Macon County.

Unwanted Household Items

Once the gifts are unwrapped, many households find themselves no longer needing their old electronics, toys or clothing items. Many of these items may be reused or recycled. Refer to the Recycling Guide to learn where items are accepted for reuse and recycling.