Holiday recycling and disposal tips from the Solid Waste Agency

This holiday season, whether you are making room for new stuff or getting rid of unwanted items, here is what you need to know about recycling and disposal.

What to do with unwanted TVs/Monitors

TVs and monitors can be recycled at the Solid Waste Agency's Marion facility, 1954 County Home Rd., inside the Resource Recovery building for a fee.

18” & smaller: $10 each; 19” & bigger: $15 each; $0.25 per pound for loads with five or more units.

What to do with all other electronics

All other electronics, excluding TVs and monitors, such as DVD players, VCRs, stereos and more can be recycled for free at the Solid Waste Agency's Marion facility inside the Resource Recovery building when dropped off in a residential sized load. Bulk/commercial sized loads will be charged $0.25 per pound.

What to do with Christmas lights

Christmas lights can be recycled for free at the Solid Waste Agency's Marion facility inside the Resource Recovery building as part of the electronics recycling program.

Christmas lights CANNOT be recycled curbside in any community.

What to do with wrapping paper

Throw it away; wrapping paper cannot be recycled because of the lack of good-quality fiber, combined with the volume of 'sheen,” or foil coatings. Even if the paper says 'Recyclable,” throw it away to be safe so you do not contaminate the rest of the recyclables.

What to do with batteries

It depends on the type of battery. Alkaline batteries, the common AA, AAA, D, C and 9-volts can be thrown away in the garbage. They do not contain hazardous materials.

Recycle rechargeable, lead acid, lithium and automotive batteries. Linn County residents can drop them off for no charge at the Solid Waste Agency's Marion facility inside the Resource Recovery building. These types of batteries include hearing aid, watch, power tool, and car batteries.

What to do with plastic, cardboard, paper

Bring them to the Solid Waste Agency's Marion facility inside the Resource Recovery building and recycle for free

What to do with Christmas trees

Trees are accepted at the Solid Waste Agency, both locations, for a $5 flat fee.

Check with your hauler to see if they will collect Christmas trees curbside. They may have rules for disposal.

Flocked trees are considered a garbage item. Most communities have requirements for how they can be thrown away. Check with your hauler.