Wrap up the holidays, not the waste

By Daniel Hiestand

Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator

After a little time off for the holidays, it’s good to be back. I hope your holiday season was full of joy and memories. As the parent of an 8-year-old, I can say mine was a lot of fun.

As the holidays wrap up and we look to the new year, let’s remember that not everything belongs in your curbside recycling bin. Many festive items can be reused or recycled—just not in the usual way.

What NOT to put in your recycling bin:

• Plastic bags
• Ribbons and bows
• Foil or plastic-coated gift wrap and gift bags
• Styrofoam blocks
• Christmas lights
• Electronics

   

  Instead, take these items to the right locations. Here are some ideas for you.

   

• Plastic bags: Return to participating grocery stores.
• Ribbons, bows, and gift wrap: Drop off at MECCA (Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts) at 555 High St., Eugene. Call ahead to confirm acceptance.
• Styrofoam blocks: Take them to a St. Vincent de Paul retail location or Glenwood Transfer Station.
• Electronics and lights: Bring them to NextStep Recycling (245 Jackson St., Eugene) or drop them off at Glenwood, Cottage Grove, and Creswell Transfer Stations, too.

For more recycling tips, download the Waste Wise Lane County app or visit lanecountyor.gov/recycle.

Partnering for a safer Lane County: Please take a quick recycling survey by Jan. 19

The list of battery-operated items we all depend on is endless, and it's up to all of us to learn how to responsibly manage and dispose of them safely.

This is especially true for lithium-ion batteries, which can explode or burn when damaged. These "thermal events"—which are becoming more frequent with increased battery usage—can be dangerous for county employees and equipment. 

For context, Lane County's Short Mountain Landfill experienced 49 lithium battery fires in 2025, up from 34 in 2024.

Lane County is working to make battery recycling safer and easier for everyone. To tackle this growing problem, we need your input.

Please take this quick, confidential community survey. Your answers will help local experts understand current recycling knowledge and the barriers people face when trying to dispose of batteries properly.

Please take five minutes to complete the survey today, as it closes by Jan. 19. You can either scan the QR code or visit one of these websites.

English: lcbattery.org

Español: lcbateria.org

For each completed survey, $1 will be donated to the nonprofit BRING.