String Lights
What Should I Do With It?
String lights add great ambiance to winter holidays and summer nights, but they are notorious for burning out. They can't go in standard curbside recycling due to their complex blend of copper, glass, and PVC. Instead, look for local drop-offs or national mail-in programs, as some of these programs offer coupons for new lights in exchange for your old ones. However, before you recycle or discard them, try fixing them! Many strings just need a quick repair. If you successfully fix them but no longer want them, donate them to keep them out of the landfill.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.