Holiday Cleanup Made Easy: Compost, Recycle, Trash

The holidays are full of good food, family, and festive décor and a lot of waste. If you want a more sustainable season without making it complicated, the biggest win is this: know what can be composted before the party starts.

When it comes to collecting food waste and compostable materials, prep is everything. If you wait until the end of the night to “sort it out,” you’ll usually end up with compost contaminated by plastic, ribbon, or glitter, which results in more trash.

Why planning ahead matters

Composting works best when the right materials go in from the beginning. A few minutes of setup:

• makes cleanup faster

• keeps compostables clean and actually compostable

• helps guests participate without confusion

Education is part of sustainability

Most people want to do the right thing, but aren’t confident about what to put in the correct bin. A quick sign near the bins, a 10 second announcement, or a simple “ask me if you’re unsure” goes a long way. Clear guidance builds confidence and reduces contamination, making composting more effective.

How to collect compostables at holiday gatherings

Keep it simple:

• Set up three clearly labeled bins: Compost, Recycling, Trash

• Line compost bins with paper bags or approved compostable liners if you use them

• Put bins where waste happens: kitchen, drink station, and next to the Christmas tree

• Add a small “oops bowl” for questionable items so guests don’t guess

Short and sweet guide: what goes where 👇

🎄 Your Holiday Composting Cheat Sheet

✅ COMPOST THESE

These break down naturally and help make healthy compost

• Real Christmas trees with no tinsel, lights, or ornaments

• Wreaths made from real greenery with wire removed

• Plain cardboard and paper with no shiny coating

• Food scraps like veggie peels, bread, and leftovers

• Paper towels and napkins used for food only

♻️ RECYCLE THESE

Only if they’re clean

• Cans and bottles

• Plastic bottles and jugs

• Glass jars

• Bubble wrap popped

• Packing peanuts

• Anything with the recycling symbol

🚫 TRASH THESE

Or do your best to reuse

• Fake trees, garland, or wreaths

• Tinsel, ribbon, bows, and glitter

• Shiny or plastic wrapping paper

• Broken ornaments

• Plastic packaging