Cleaning up after the holidays? Here's how to recycle boxes, decorations and old tech
The Christmas season may be coming to a close but Habitat for Humanity of Springfield is already gearing up for next year's holiday rush.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore, located at 2410 S. Scenic Ave., is asking community members to donate unwanted Christmas items and décor for its 2024 Christmas Extravaganza.
Each year, the Restore saves all of the Christmas items donated throughout the year for a large sale starting in November. This year's Christmas Extravaganza sale raised $17,600, according to a Habitat for Humanity news release.
When it comes to Christmas items, the ReStore accepts artificial trees, string lights, ornaments, wreaths, garland, wrapping paper, bags, ribbon, and other indoor and outdoor holiday décor in good condition.
Donations can be made Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the ReStore located at 2410 S. Scenic Ave. The ReStore also offers free donation pick-up on certain larger items on Tuesday and Friday. Call the ReStore at 417-829-4001 to learn more or schedule a pick-up.
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Break down cardboard boxes, take to a recycling center
If you were left with a mountain of cardboard boxes from the holidays, one of Springfield's recycling centers is a great place to dispose of the boxes. The Franklin Avenue and Lone Pine recycling centers are both open Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you choose to put cardboard boxes in the trashcan, break them down first to help trash truck drivers.
Replacing old tech? Here's how to properly recycle it
Did you get a new smart television or the latest smartphone for the holidays? If you're looking to get rid of old electronics, like televisions, computers and telephones, consider recycling it, rather than throwing it in the trash.
Computer Recycling Center
The Computer Recycling Center accepts computers (laptops, desktops, tablets, servers, monitors, keyboards and mice) and various electronics (cell and landline phones, remote controllers, DVD and VCR players, satellite dishes and receivers, stereos and speakers, fax machines, inkjet and tone cartridge's, and routers). For the Computer Recycling Center's complete list of accepted items, visit the center's website at computerrecyclingcenter.com/accepted-items-list.
The Computer Recycling Center is located at 528 N. Prince Lane and accepts donations Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Appointments are not necessary, but you must first check-in at the center's front desk.
Complete Electronics Recycling
Complete Electronics Recycling also offers recycling of various electronics including computer equipment (computer towers, laptops, computer monitors, severs and modems, copy and fax machines, and printers), batteries (for phones, laptops and cars), video and audio equipment (DVD, Blu-Ray and MP3 players, video game consoles, speakers and cables) and phones.
Complete Electronic Recycle also accepts large items like sewing machines, lawnmowers, bicycles and exercise equipment, if you upgraded this holiday. For Complete Electronics Recycling's complete list of accepted items, visit the business' website at completeelectronicsrecycling.com/items.
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Complete Electronics Recycling does charge a fee for a few different products. All televisions, CRT monitors, and LCD, LED and plasma televisions are $20 each. Fluorescent lightbulbs are $1 each. Alkaline batteries are $1 per pound. Large appliances with Freon, including fridges and freezers, deep freezes, air conditions and dehumidifiers are $20 each.
Complete Electronics Recycling is located at 2935 W. Chestnut Expressway and accepts donations Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
If you plan on stopping by the Habitat for Humanity ReStore to make a donation, it's worth noting that the ReStore does not accept CRT, plasma or projection televisions, computer monitors, printers, photocopiers or batteries.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: How to recycle holiday wrapping, decorations and old electronics
