[This article was first published in December 2020 and has been revised and expanded.]

If there is one thing that is perennially true for most homes after Christmas it's piles of trash. And junk. And, quite often, a real (dead) tree.

And it all has to be hauled out and gotten rid of sooner than later.

Staying Green During Your Post-Holiday Blues

Okay, so maybe you're like most folks and are actually somewhat relieved after the confetti and noisemakers are finally cleaned up and tossed out after New Year's. The parade of holidays can be a time of great fun, but preparation, celebration, and then clean-up can wear on you!

So, instead of feeling a bit of a let-down and after-the-holidays depression, you may instead be ready to recharge and get your new year off on a calm note.

But there's still the clean up to do. And if you're one of the almost 50 million Americans who choose to buy a real tree at Christmas, you're also going to have a dead tree to dispose of. 

The good news is that you don't have to find an abandoned piece of ground on the side of a backroad to toss your tree. And you really shouldn't anyway! Tree removal and recycling is the green way to go. And that includes all those bags of post-Christmas and New Year's party junk and rubbish, as well.

Yes, you can be "green" instead of "blue" after the holidays!

Sustainable Junk Solutions: Green Post-Holiday Trash and Tree Disposal

As the holiday season draws to a close, the joyous festivities leave behind remnants of celebration - sometimes lots of it! Wrapping paper, packaging, and the centerpiece of many homes: the venerable Christmas tree.

While going into the new year is a time of transition, it's also a great time to properly dispose of post-holiday waste and Christmas trees in an eco-friendly manner. And that's a great way to contribute to a green start to the new year.

So, with that in mind, here's a few expert tips that we've pulled together to help make your 

1. Recycle Wrapping and Packaging Materials

Wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, and packaging materials often inundate households during the holidays. Opt for recycling whenever possible. Paper-based wrapping materials and cardboard boxes are recyclable in most areas. However, avoid using wrapping paper with foil, glitter, or plastic coatings as these can't be recycled. Look for eco-friendly wrapping alternatives like reusable fabric or recycled paper options for future holidays.

2. Responsible Tree Disposal

The iconic Christmas tree brings joy throughout the season but requires proper disposal afterward. Instead of sending it to a landfill, consider environmentally friendly disposal methods:

• Curbside Recycling Programs: There are more than 4,000 Christmas tree recycling programs around the U.S. Real trees can be easily recycled, unlike artificial trees. Many municipalities offer tree recycling programs where trees are collected and chipped into mulch or composted. Check with local waste management services or community organizations for details on tree collection and recycling schedules.

• DIY Mulching: If suitable facilities are not available, consider turning your tree into mulch for your garden. Remove decorations and branches, then use a chipper or ask a local landscaping service if they can chip the tree into mulch for use in your yard.

• Community Recycling Events: Some communities organize tree recycling events where trees are collected, chipped, and turned into mulch for public spaces or offered to residents for use in their gardens.

3. Upcycling Decorations

Rather than discarding decorations, consider upcycling or repurposing them for future use. Ornaments, ribbons, and even broken strands of lights can be creatively transformed into new decorations or craft projects. Engage in DIY activities with family and friends to breathe new life into holiday decorations.

4. Donation Opportunities

Extend the holiday spirit by donating gently used decorations, lights, and artificial trees to local charities, schools, or community centers. Many organizations gladly accept holiday décor for future events or to benefit individuals in need.

5. Sustainable New Year’s Resolutions

As the new year begins, consider making sustainable resolutions that reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices. Commit to reducing single-use plastics, practicing energy conservation, or supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability.

6. Eco-Conscious Cleaning

When cleaning up post-holidays, choose eco-friendly cleaning products to minimize environmental impact. Look for natural or biodegradable cleaners that are safe for the environment and your home.

7. Educate and Inspire

Spread the message of eco-conscious disposal and sustainability among friends and family. Encourage others to adopt green practices for holiday waste disposal and showcase the positive impact of these actions on the environment.

Being Green Before, During, and After the Holidays

As the holiday season comes to an end, the choices we make for post-holiday waste disposal can significantly impact the environment. By opting for eco-friendly disposal methods, recycling, upcycling, and donating, we contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Let’s carry the spirit of giving and care for our planet into the new year, one green choice at a time.

Your Post-Holiday Trash Cleanup And Tree Removal Guide

The chaos doesn't always end the day after Christmas. 

In fact, for many households and families, the flurry of activity often seems to carry on right through to New Year's Day! And, in the midst of all the fun, family, and friends there is likely piles of trash, debris, and a dead Christmas tree that needs to be dealt with. Not to mention all the cleaning!

Along with the presents, gifts, decorations, food packaging, leftovers, and more, there is also the extra trash that comes with houseguests and visiting family and friends.

It's difficult and perhaps a bit awkward to try to clean up while everyone is there, so much of that work often gets done only half-heartedly or is postponed to when everyone has gone home and the glitter dust has settled. 

So, we also put together this little guide to help you along the way this holiday season:

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'Tis the Season... For Trash Removal

Despite the current health concerns, by the time the Ball drops in New York's Times Square there will have been many get-togethers, parties, and holiday celebrations. Along with all the mess and clutter from Christmas gifts and decorations, this adds up to a "bonus" season for trash piles.

All of which gives a whole new meaning to the term "essential business" which is exactly what Junk King is!

Between various stages of shut-downs, stay-at-home orders, and the regular crunch of the holiday vacation season, municipal waste management agencies are already at full capacity. Add to that the over-abundance of trash, garbage, and debris that is generated at this time of year, and you have the makings of a major trash back-up!

All the more reason to look to the services of your local Junk King professional junk removal team.

Post-Holiday Trash? Call Your Local Trash Removal Pros!

Junk King offers efficient, safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly trash removal services so you don’t need to worry about how to dispose of your excess junk or extra-large trash items.

And, if you need our services several times during the holidays, or just one time after Christmas, our hauling professionals will ensure that all the junk and debris is out of your way so that you can get on with your life or work.

We can be at your home in mere minutes, so call us today! Our team is fully insured and well-trained, so you can trust them to get rid of all your unwanted items in a professional and courteous fashion.

And one of the best things about hiring Junk King is that we recycle most of the material we pick up. This is proof of our commitment to being an eco-friendly removal service. If you have questions about what we do, give us a call at 1-888-888-JUNK (5865).