As the holiday season winds down, it's time for Orange County residents to start thinking about what to do with their natural holiday trees and wreaths. According to an announcement from the Town of Carrboro, the solutions for disposal are clear-cut and eco-friendly. Beginning this week, residents can place their holiday greenery on the curb alongside their regular yard waste for collection. But before you drag those trees out, make sure to strip them of all decorations, including tinsel and wire, and remove the stand and any nails that might be lurking.
The collection routine seems straightforward, but there's a twist when it comes to string lights. Working lights that have brightened up your living room can find new life at local thrift stores, offering a chance for repurposing that brings a touch of joy long after the season's end. If you're ready to get rid of lights that no longer work, before being hauled away as part of the waste stream, they should be taken to the electronics trailers at Orange County’s Waste & Recycling Centers. It's worth noting, however, that while the trees make their last curbside appearance, string lights do not share the same fate; they cannot be recycled in the normal recycling carts.
If you're looking to contribute to the spirit of sustainability, consider parting with your functional string lights by donating them. Carrboro's official announcement suggests taking them to the Orange County’s Salvage Sheds.
For more specific details on the tree and wreath collection schedule or the locations of the Waste & Recycling Centers, residents should visit the Town of Carrboro's website.
