WLSSD Encourages Reducing Waste This Christmas

DULUTH, Minn. — It is normal to have a lot of waste over the holidays, but the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District says a lot of it can be recycled.

The ways to reduce waste include gift wrapping a present in a cloth, scarf, or tote. Recycling traditional gift wrap without glitter or foil. Any stretchy plastics that gifts arrive in can be brought to specialty drop off sites to be taken care of. And cardboard boxes should be broken down and put in recycling bins.

With all of the gifts that require batteries, WLSSD says it’s important to be mindful of where to dispose of them.

“Household Hazardous Waste in Lincoln Park accepts all the batteries you want to dispose of. We will sort them out and ensure that batteries don’t end up in the trash or in the recycling where many of them can cause fires, can explode and can cause hazards to workers in garbage trucks, landfills, and recycling facilities,” said Emma Pardini, Environmental Program Coordinator.

The Superior landfill is going to be full by 2026. And all of the garbage will have to travel further to end up at its final destination. So, WLSSD wants everyone to practice reducing waste.

“We really encourage you to think not just about what’s coming into your home this season, but where everything goes when you don’t want it anymore. And help us create a more circular economy and a circular community,” said Pardini.

Holiday lights should not be thrown in the recycling or garbage either. They can be brought to WLSSD’s materials recovery center to make sure they are taken care of.

For more information go to their website.