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Seasonal recycling and composting

Autumn leaves on tree Credit: DNR
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Seasonal recycling and composting

Welcome to our seasonal recycling and composting page, where we explore the importance of responsibly managing items that see seasonal spikes in use. From pumpkins and autumn leaves to wrapping paper and Christmas trees, many of our holiday favorites can lead to increased waste. By recycling and composting these items, we not only reduce landfill impact but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Composting, in particular, transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, effectively recycling nature’s materials.

Join us in making the most of each season while promoting eco-friendly practices!

Find out what you can recycle this season

up close of red, yellow and orange fallen maple leaves

Leaf litter

Fallen leaves accumulate quickly. Learn environmentally-friendly ways to get rid of them!

A carved pumpkin that looks nibbled on by squirrels on a porch next to a smaller pumpkin

Pumpkins

Americans throw away over 1 billion pounds of pumpkins every year- this year, consider composting!

a bunch of old box televisions sitting in a parking lots to be disposed

Electronic waste

When you get new electronics like TVs, computers, or smartphones, it's important to know how to safely get rid of your old ones.

Large crumbs of a pastry sitting on a plate with a fork, indicating food waste

Food waste

40% of all food in America is wasted. Americans throw away over $473 billion worth of food every year.

A box wrapped in brown packing paper with a cornflower blue velvet ribbon, with assorted giftwrapping supplies such as wrapping paper, scissors, boxes, etc. scattered across the table

Holiday giftwrap

Americans create 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day than any other time of year

A person holding an evergreen wreath decorated with berries and pinecones

Holiday greenery

There are multiple sustainable ways to recycle or compost your trees and other evergreen decorations.