As the city waves goodbye to the holiday season, there’s a necessary task ahead: cleaning up and properly disposing of our festive trimmings. According to a recent post by the City of West Allis, there are a few key steps residents should remember when taking down their Christmas trees and holiday decorations to ensure an efficient and eco-friendly transition into the new year. With these guidelines, handling post-holiday waste can be a breeze.
First and foremost, the City urges residents to strip their Christmas trees of all ornamental glory - everything from the twinkling lights to the shimmering tinsel and intricate garlands must go. Only naked trees are fit for the special collection service, which will run through the end of February to accommodate the seasonal cleanup. Per the City of West Allis instructions, trees must be placed at the regular garbage collection points – a stern reminder that streets are not to be confused as dumps. Collection schedules, while aiming for consistency, are subject to the variables of staffing and climate considerations.
Meanwhile, not all holiday remnants can reclaim their place in the cycle of reuse. Bows, ribbons, and that pesky Styrofoam will find their end in the trash bin – or better yet, tucked away for next year’s revelries, for the more conservation-minded – as they resist the transformative journey of recycling. Gift bags, particularly those with ribbon handles, also join the unfortunately non-recyclable castaways. However, plain wrapping paper, unadorned tissue paper, and all cardboard boxes are welcome to take the plunge into the recycle bin, breathing new potential into what once held our holiday cheer.
And for those who find their refuse bins overflowing with the detritus of festivities past – fear not. The Municipal Yard stands ready, open during regular operating hours for the excess of garbage and recycling that cannot be contained at curbside. It’s a second chance for proper disposal, ensuring that the season’s waste doesn't outlast the memories it created.
The guidelines provided by West Allis are not unique to them; cities across the country have similar protocols, and it is worth laboring the point, as sorting through improperly disposed holiday waste can be a significant drain on resources. So as we say farewell to the remnants of yuletide gaiety, let's do so with a mindful nod to the planet that played host to our merriment.
