As the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall, many of us start preparing for seasonal activities like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and outdoor yard cleanup. While autumn is a beautiful time of year, it can also generate a lot of waste—pumpkins, old decorations, leaves, and more. At Sunrise Sanitation, we want to help you navigate fall recycling so you can dispose of seasonal waste responsibly and reduce your environmental footprint.
Here’s your guide to what you should and shouldn’t recycle this season:
What You Should Recycle:
Paper and Cardboard
Fall often brings extra packaging from online orders, back-to-school shopping, and Thanksgiving prep. Paper and cardboard are recyclable, so be sure to break down boxes and remove tape.
Plastic decorations—such as reusable Halloween buckets or fake pumpkins—can be recycled, provided they are clean and free of non-recyclable materials like glitter or foam. Double-check your local recycling guidelines to ensure these items are accepted.
Aluminum and Glass Bottles
As we enter the season of gatherings, make sure to recycle your aluminum cans and glass bottles from fall parties. These items are highly recyclable and can be repurposed into new products.
Paper or cardboard decorations, such as banners or wreaths, can be recycled as long as they don’t have any added plastic or glitter. Composting is also an option for fully organic materials like paper.
Pumpkin Seeds and Gourds (for Composting)
If you’re wondering what to do with those leftover pumpkins, composting is the answer! Pumpkin seeds, skins, and other natural decorations like gourds and straw bales can be composted. Just remember to remove any candles, paint, or synthetic elements before tossing them into your compost bin.
What You Shouldn’t Recycle
Pumpkins (in Recycling Bins)
While pumpkins are great for composting, they shouldn’t be placed in your standard recycling bin. Instead, consider composting them or breaking them down for yard waste collection.
Plastic bags, candy wrappers, and other single-use plastic packaging are not recyclable in your curbside bins. Instead, bring plastic bags to a local grocery store that offers plastic bag recycling.
Yard Waste
Fallen leaves, sticks, and grass clippings should be composted or placed in trash bags, not your regular recycling.
Glittery or Foil-Coated Decorations
While paper decorations are typically recyclable, anything with glitter, foil, or other coatings can’t go in the recycling bin. These materials can contaminate the recycling process and should be thrown in the trash.
String Lights
While string lights are popular for fall decorating, they can’t be recycled in your regular curbside bin. However, many recycling centers or electronics stores accept them as part of electronic waste programs.
Tips for Sustainable Fall Cleanup
Reuse Before Recycling: Before tossing fall decorations, consider reusing them for next year. Plastic pumpkins, wreaths, and string lights can be stored and repurposed, reducing waste.
Compost as Much as Possible: Yard waste, leaves, and organic matter like pumpkin scraps are perfect for composting. This helps reduce the load on landfills and provides nutrient-rich soil for your garden next spring.
Know Your Local Recycling Rules: Every area has different rules when it comes to what can and can’t be recycled. Make sure to review your local guidelines or find a recycling center near you in Western Maryland, or West Virginia.
This fall, you can enjoy the beauty of the season while doing your part to minimize waste. By following this recycling guide, you’ll make a positive environmental impact and keep your home clean and clutter-free. Whether it’s composting your pumpkins or recycling old decorations, every little bit helps. Let’s work together to make fall a sustainable and eco-friendly season!
For more information on recycling or to learn about our sanitation services in Western Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you make the most of your fall cleanup while keeping the planet in mind!
