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Can you recycle gift wrap? A comprehensive guide to holiday trash

Happy holidays, Knoxville. We’re here to solve the spat before it begins — yes, you can recycle wrapping paper.

Three images of the Dempster Dumpster in action, showing the haul, dump, and pick up. Text reads, "Here's a One-Man Trash and Rubbish Collection System for your City."

Leave it to us to get nostalgic about trash. Check out this 1954 ad for the Depmster Dumpster.

Photo via University of Tennesee, Knoxville Digital Collections

The unwrapping frenzy has passed. The party is over. And now you’re holding a trash bag, wondering what goes in the landfill and what can get a second life. Here’s a quick cheat sheet.

Recycle:

  • Wrapping paper
  • Tissue paper
  • Gift bags
  • Cards + gift tags
  • Cookie tins

Holiday lights can also be recycled — but don’t put them in the bin. Drop them off at any City of Knoxville Recycling Drop-Off Center, County Convenience Center, or Goodwill.

And it’s never too early to plan for the treecycling program.

Don’t recycle:

  • Ribbons + bows
  • Plastic bags
  • Styrofoam
  • Anything with glitter

Don’t forget to donate

Bikes, blankets, books, clothes... there’s a place for all of it.