Post-Holiday “Green” Donations

“It’s The Most Wa-asteful Time Of The Year” – you know the tune,  now  put those holiday trappings where they belong. Such as:

• Old computers: The very best place for refurbishing and reusing computers and computer peripherals is InterConnection, at 3415 Stone Way N. InterConnection will also take non-computer electronics and pass them on to local recyclers. 206-633-1517
• Wrapping paper: Save the best for next year. Recycle other paper  wrapping, remove tape when possible. Metallic and plastic wrapping goes in the garbage.
• Gift bags: Save for reuse. If too ratty to re-gift, remove non-paper handles and recycle.
• Clear plastic “clamshell”-type of packaging:  Garbage, even if there is a recycling number on it.
• Food waste of all kinds (except fats and oils which go into a lidded container, then in garbage): Into your food waste, as well as greasy paper napkins and paper towels, brown paper bags, and waxed paper (not waxed cardboard cartons – they go in recycling.)
• Unwanted, unopened food items: Donate to a food bank such as FamilyWorks
• Formerly live trees and greens: Compost for free at the curb Dec. 30 and Jan. 6.  Cut trees into sections of 6 feet or shorter, trim branches to under 4 feet long. Bundle with sisal string or twine (no plastic). Multi-family buildings can put out one tree next to each yard waste cart at no extra charge each collection day. Or compost your tree and greens for free at the transfer station through Jan. 9 (closed Jan. 1). Your tree must be in sections 8 feet or shorter, with a trunk 4″ in diameter or smaller. Limit 3 trees per vehicle. All greens will be turned into chips and compost for local parks and gardens. Decorated, flocked, plastic, or retro aluminum trees will cost you to be trucked to the landfill.
• Styrofoam peanuts: Take to UPS Store (2311 N 45th) for re-use. No biodegradable peanuts.
• Styrofoam chunks:  Take to Seattle Lighting Outlet (26 S. Hanford) for recycling. 206-268-3579
• Holiday lights: Girl Scouts of Western Washington (601 Valley St) is accepting old light strings during office hours Dec. 27-30. Or email [email protected] to have your lights picked up (Wallingford and very nearby) before Dec. 30 and they will be delivered for you.
• Old cell phones: donate at John Stanford International School to support school “Green Team.” Drop box located inside north school entrance at NE 42nd & 5th Ave NE parking lot.  School days and hours only – reopens Tuesday, January 3.