The Holidays are a Time to Reflect and a Time to Recycle, Says RWS

Wrapping paper, packing material and gift boxes don't need to go in the trash

PORTLAND, Maine - The holidays bring joy and the spirit of giving. But they also leave behind mounds and mounds of strewn wrapping paper, packing material and gift boxes of all shapes and sizes.

One way to deal with the barrage of post-holiday clutter is to recycle it in a Regional Waste Systems recycling container, said an official at RWS, a non-profit municipal-owned organization that serves 27 communities in southern Maine. The bins are located in more than 60 locations in the area.

"Many people are uncomfortable with the materialism that permeates the holiday season," said Eric Root, director of materials recycling at RWS. "Short of absolution, they may be able to get some relief by recycling what gets left behind after the gifts are opened."

Wrapping paper, gift boxes and even Styrofoam peanuts don't need to go in the trash, said Root. "We'd really like to encourage anyone who feels overwhelmed by all of this material to make every effort to recycle it," he said.

Root of RWS offered the following facts, tips and guidelines for dealing with the aftermath of holiday celebrations:

1. Almost all holiday wrapping paper is recyclable. The only exceptions are the types made of or containing foil or glitter. Acceptable wrapping paper can be dropped off at one of the 100 familiar silver recycling bins placed by RWS in 60 locations throughout southern Maine.
2. Shirt boxes, gift boxes and corrugated cardboard boxes are all recyclable, and also are accepted at the drop off locations.
3. Styrofoam is not recyclable. But most commercial mailing centers (Mail Boxes Etc, Package Plus, etc.) accept Styrofoam peanuts for re-use. Please call ahead to make sure. Molded Styrofoam must be discarded in the trash.
4. Most municipalities have removal programs for discarded Christmas trees placed curbside following the holidays. The trees are often ground up for mulch and composted. Inquire at your town office.

Root added that wrapping paper or any plastic materials should never be burned in a fireplace or wood stove because of environmental concerns.

For additional information, persons may call 871-SORT at RWS or visit the RWS website at www.regionalwaste.com to find the location of the nearest RWS recycling container.

And for those who really want to learn what happens to the unrecyclable, post-holiday materials that get thrown in the trash, RWS offers tours of its facilities on Outer Congress Street to groups from its member towns and cities. Call Eric Root at 773-6465 to schedule.

Regional Waste Systems, Inc. is a non-profit solid waste management corporation that is owned and controlled by 21 cities and towns, and also has six associate member towns. RWS is also the largest municipal recycling organization in the state. Established in 1974 after Portland, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough decided to form a cooperative to handle their waste disposal, today RWS is governed by a 28-member board, consisting of officials appointed from member towns. RWS accepts solid waste and recycled materials from these communities and also has a comprehensive, state-of-the-art recycling program with more than 100 recycling bins in 60 locations. For additional information on RWS, visit the RWS web site, www.regionalwaste.com.

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