While the holiday season brings joy and celebration to many, it also leads to an increase in household waste. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging residents to be aware of their environmental impact and adopt simple, sustainable practices — such as reducing, reusing, and recycling throughout the festive season. 

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, household waste typically increases by 25% and wrapping paper, packaging, holiday decorations, and food waste are major contributors. DEP encourages residents to make sustainable choices that protect the environment—during the holidays and into the new year. 

“The holiday season is a time for giving and one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer is something that leads to a healthier planet,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “By making small, intentional choices like reducing waste and recycling correctly, we all play a part in building a more sustainable Montgomery County. Let’s carry these habits with us into 2026 and beyond, for the good of our community and future generations.” 

Simple Ways to Celebrate Sustainably 

Consider the following tips to reduce waste and recycle this holiday season: 

• Creative wrapping: Use reusable or repurposed materials like fabric, newspaper, or old maps. Save and reuse bows, ribbons, and gift bags for next year. 
• Cut down on junk mail: Remove your name from mailing lists or sign up for “Do Not Mail” services to reduce unwanted catalogs and advertisements. 
• Eco-friendly entertainment: Plan meals to minimize food waste. Use durable dishes and utensils instead of disposables. Rinse and recycle bottles, cans, jars, and containers. 
• Recycle all cardboard boxes: After receiving packages, empty the boxes and place them in a recycling bin or cart. 
• Shop smart: Support local businesses and choose gifts made from recycled or upcycled materials. Bring reusable shopping bags and opt for products with minimal packaging. 

DEP also reminds residents to recycle their live Christmas trees and wreaths after the holiday season: 

• Drop-off option: Holiday trees can be brought to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station for recycling. The Transfer Station is located at 16105 Frederick Road in Derwood. 
• Curbside yard trim recycling collection: Residents in single-family homes and townhomes with County-provided recycling service can place live-cut trees, wreaths, and garlands curbside by 7 a.m. on their regular recycling day. All items must be free of lights, decorations, and metal. Wreaths and garlands must be placed in a reusable container (with a yard trim decal) or in a paper lawn bag for collection. 
• Multi-family properties: Residents of apartment and condominium properties should contact their property manager for instructions on how to recycle live-cut trees. 

• County-provided trash collection: Residents with County-provided trash service who want to dispose of an artificial tree can schedule a bulk trash pickup online at montgomerycountymd.gov/bulktrash or call 311. 

• Privately provided trash collection: Residents with private trash service should contact their hauler for disposal instructions. 

The County accepts holiday light strings in the electronics recycling drop-off area at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station. They are also accepted as part of the recently completed phase-in of curbside recycling collection of electronic items and batteries for single-family households with County-provided recycling service. 

Residents should gather larger quantities of electronic items and household batteries for collection or schedule them for pickup at the same time as a scrap metal recycling collection. Some retailers also accept holiday string lights for recycling. Check the DEP website: https://bit.ly/48iHZq7 for a list of participating businesses. Help reduce the risk of trash fires by keeping electronic items and batteries out of curbside recycling bins and trash containers. 

Read more about the service on the DEP website: https://bit.ly/3Kcvinx . 

Important Notes: 

• Businesses should consult their property manager or owner for proper recycling guidelines. 
• Trees with root balls or intact roots cannot be collected as yard trim. 
• Wreaths and garlands made with live branches must be free of wire and metal. 

For more tips on reducing waste and recycling during the holidays and throughout the year, visit the DEP website: https://bit.ly/3Kcvinx 

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