From tree disposal to gift wrap recycling, here’s your post-holiday guide

Ready to think about disposing the tree, the gift wrap or even old lights and other decor?

The city of Sioux Falls put together some holiday season cleanup tips.
“Collectively, we can keep our community clean by practicing waste diversion with the three R’s: reduce, reuse and recycle,” said Josh Peterson, the city’s environmental services manager. “Diverting waste from the landfill is important for extending its lifespan and keeping waste collection costs stable for residents. Plus, reducing and reusing materials saves you money, and recycled materials are sent to facilities that turn them into new products.”
Remember, you can avoid having to dispose of some materials by reducing and reusing others — like wrapping gifts with the intention to reuse bags, boxes, cloths, ribbons, bows and tissue paper.

But for those things ready to be unloaded, here’s what to keep in mind:

Christmas tree drop-off

The city provides annual drop-off sites for real trees, wreaths and garland.

The sites are open through Jan. 7 at the following locations:

• West of the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 1015 E. Chambers St., just off North Cliff Avenue.
• North Lyon Boulevard, west of the fairgrounds. Access is available from West 12th Street to North Lyon Boulevard or from West Madison Street to North Lyon Boulevard.

Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The sites are free for residents of Sioux Falls and Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha and Turner counties. The sites are not available for organizations such as businesses, farms, nonprofits, churches, schools and governmental entities. All lights, ornaments, decorations and stands must be removed before dropping off the trees. Artificial trees, bags, leaves, rubble and household garbage will not be accepted.

Recycle right

Wrapping paper, tissue paper and gift bags can be recycled if they do not have glitter, foil, metallic or plastic coatings. Remove gift bag handles before recycling.

Paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans and plastic tubs, jugs and bottles can go in the recycling bin. Remember to place items loose in the bin. Do not bag recyclables or put plastic bags, packaging, film or bubble wrap in the bin.

Household Hazardous Waste Facility

Some items that are not allowed in your residential recycling bin — like old electronics or holiday lights — are accepted at the city’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility. The facility at 1015 E. Chambers St. is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Like the tree drop-off sites, the facility is free for residents of Sioux Falls and Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha and Turner counties. The facility is not available for organizations such as businesses, farms, nonprofits, churches, schools and governmental entities.