Wrap, reuse, recycle: Keeping Port St. Lucie green this holiday season

Published on December 22, 2025

Holiday Recycling Dos Donts banner

The holiday season brings joy, celebration—and a surge in waste. The City of Port St. Lucie urges residents to recycle and help keep valuable materials out of the landfill this holiday season.

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, the City of Port St. Lucie sees more than a 25% spike in household waste. Much of this, including cardboard, gift boxes, wrapping paper, greeting cards, magazines and catalogs, can be recycled, helping to keep valuable materials out of the landfill.

From presents to parties, the holidays create a lot of recyclables. Residents are encouraged to recycle correctly and give these materials a second life.

Holiday Recycling Tips:

  • Gift wrapping: Recycle paper wrapping, tissue paper and greeting cards. Avoid bows, ribbons, glitter, foil and cellophane.
  • Product packaging: Cardboard boxes and paper packaging can be recycled, just remove tape, ribbons and decorations. Air pillows, Styrofoam and bubble wrap should go in the trash.
  • Decorations: Ornaments, garland, tinsel and string lights are not recyclable, but you can save them for next year.
  • Christmas trees: Place undecorated real trees curbside with yard waste for recycling. Remove lights, tinsel, ornaments and stands, and do not bag the tree.
  • Kitchen and cooking materials: Foil pans, pie plates and cookie sheets can be recycled after rinsing. Waxed paper, coated cartons and dough tubes should be disposed of in the trash.
  • Going green: Rinse out bottles, jars, containers and cans before placing them loosely in your green recycling cart.
  • Keep it rolling: Help the process by never placing loose plastic bags, plastic film or cloth and clothes in your green recycle cart. Recycle plastic bags and film at your nearest drop-off sites. Cloth and clothes can be donated.

By following these simple guidelines, residents can help the City reduce landfill waste, conserve resources and support sustainable recycling efforts.

Holiday recycling tip: When in doubt, throw it out—and keep the season merry and green!

For more information about holiday recycling and acceptable materials, visit www.CityofPSL.com/SolidWaste or call 77-871-1775 and press 5. 

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