Can I Recycle Christmas Lights?

Christmas decorations account for over half of seasonal decorations sales at 58.9% of total industry revenue.  With this many decorations sold, a percentage of these sales will certainly be for Christmas lights.  What should be done with these strands of lights when they burn out?

Generally, strands of Christmas lights are made of incandescent light bulbs. They last approximately 2 to 4 years. Strands of LED Christmas lights can last about 10 years making them well worth the higher cost per strand. The majority of people throw them into their regular trash, but there is a way to recycle them.

Starting November 5, 2015, take your old incandescent Christmas light strings to your local Home Depot store for recycling. You’ll receive a $3, $4 or $5 discount toward the purchase of ENERGY STAR qualified LED Christmas lights.

Borden is unable to accept Christmas lights as a recyclable item.  Even some large recycling centers are not equipped to handle Christmas lights as a recyclable item since they are considered a mixed commodity. The very best advice is to find a local Home Depot or other home improvement store that will accept them and possibly even give you a discount on new ones.

For more information on recyclable items visit www.wasteawaygroup.com.