By Donna Beth Weilenman
Martinez News Gazette

‘Tis the season for decorating homes, merry partying with friends and sharing gifts. It’s also the time of year that waste and trash increases about 25 percent, Tracy Skenandore, spokesperson for Republic Services, said.
But that doesn’t have to be the case, Skenandore said.
The company, which as Allied Waste, is Benicia’s garbage and recycling service, has tips that may help residents reduce the amount of garbage they produce during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
“The holiday season can be a hectic time of year for just about everyone,” said Pete Keller, Republic’s vice president of recycling and sustainability. “Many of us want to be more sustainable during the holidays, but we aren’t sure how or we just don’t have the time.”
He said American households can generate 25 percent additional trash, or about a thousand pounds, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, through parties, decorations, gift giving and travel.
With a little care, about 80 percent of what is thrown away could be recycled, Keller said, citing the Environmental Protection Agency’s information.
Keller offered five ways Martinez residents can reduce their trash and be more environmentally responsible.
First, they can reuse laminated bags and recycle those made of paper, he said.
When shipping, they can make shredded paper out of old newspapers and reuse bubble wrap and foam packing peanuts, he said.
After opening gifts, they can recycle the wrapping paper, he said, “even the shiny stuff.” He also urged saving and reusing ribbons and bows.
Those who receive new electronic devices should make sure old phones, and tablets don’t get tossed away, Keller said. Instead, they should turn them in to an electronics recycler, such as Recology, located at 2021 Broadway in Vallejo. They may also have their e-waste picked up from their curb by Republic Services as a free bulky waste pickup. To make an appointment, call (707) 747-0608.
Those planning or attending parties should remember that paper cups, plastic lids and paper sleeves also can be recycled, but should be cleaned and dry before they’re put in the recycling container, Keller said.
Toy and other gift packaging cardboard and plastic can be recycled, but they must be separated from one another, such as the plastic window on a box containing a doll or action figure, he said. Sticky gift tags can’t be recycled by themselves, but are acceptable if they’re attached to an envelope or wrapping paper, he said.
Keller said the most common non-recyclables contaminating the recycling waste stream during the holidays are bubble wrap, cellophane, string and rope, ribbons and bows, batteries, food, clothing, cell phones and various types of polystyrene foam, often sold as Styrofoam.
Those interested may visit the company’s website at RepublicServices.com.

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