Holiday lights are one of the best and worst parts of this time of year. They are beautiful and festive! They are fun to drive around and look at! They make your home feel warm and cozy! Also, they never work from year to year, they are a pain to put up and take down, and you never seem to purchase the correct amount. Maybe that is just in my house, but I have a feeling I’m not alone.
Keep Champaign Beautiful, the folks at the City of Champaign that are in charge of recycling and sustainability efforts, put out a few suggestions for where you can get rid of those strings of lights in a good for the planet sort of way.
For lights that don’t work
Did you know you can recycle these? They are one of the items that are accepted at the bi-annual Residential Electronics Collection events. The next one will be in the spring.
Mack’s Twin City Recycling does electronics recycling all year along, and they have a drive-through process. Mervis Recycling in Urbana is also a year round option.
For lights that do work
Habitat for Humanity Restore will take them! I know I have a couple of sets of lights that are bright white, when usually I get warm white, because of course there are different types of white. They work just fine, but they aren’t my vibe. Check out their donation process here.