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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 12/19/2017
Contact: Jane Wilch, Recycling Coordinator 
Phone: 319-887-6110

Recycling reminders for the holiday season

The holidays bring with them many opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle! Keep these waste reduction tips in mind as you finish shopping and wrapping, and when you tear down decorations in the New Year.  

• Be creative with gift wrapping
  Consider upcycling newspapers, magazines, maps, and more into gift wrap. Save gift wrap and bags you’ve received, and reuse for your own giving.  
• Use reusable bags when shopping
  Cut down on clutter, use your bags when shopping for gifts and groceries.
• Shop secondhand
  Whether you’re on the hunt for gifts or garland, check out Iowa City’s second-hand scene. Our Iowa City Area Resale and Consignment Directory can get you started.
• Gift experiences
  Give gifts that are less about “stuff” and more about experience. For example: a dinner out, or tickets to a game or a show.
• Prepare only what you’ll eat
  Be mindful when creating your traditional feast. Only make food you know you will need.
• Compost food 
  Don’t throw away excess food, compost your food scraps. Learn more about the City’s curbside composting program at www.icgov.org/foodwaste.
• Skip paper cutlery
  Use cloth napkins and reusable dishware.
• Compost your natural Christmas tree!
  Curbside pick-up for natural Christmas trees will begin on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018.
• Recycle lights and some wrappings
  Don’t throw away your holiday decor – recycle it. But also know what types of packaging are not recyclable. When in doubt throw it out.

The following items are not recyclable: metallic or glitter wrapping paper/greeting cards, tissue paper, plastic film and wrap, Styrofoam as well as toys, shoes and clothing.

Recycle holiday light strings at these locations:

• Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center, 3900 Hebl Ave.
• ReStore donation area, 2401 Scott Blvd. SE
• Iowa City Hy-Vee stores: 1720 Waterfront Dr., 812 S. 1st Ave., 1125 North Dodge St.
• Coralville Hy-Vee, 1914 8th St.
• Stuff Etc., 2818 Commerce Dr.
• Coralville City Hall, 1512 7th St.
• Coralville Recreation Center, 1506 8th St.

Questions? Contact Recycling Coordinator Jane Wilch at 319-887-6110 or jane-wilch@iowa-city.org.