If you’re spending the day cleaning up after opening presents, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has a few tips.
DEQ spokesperson Greg Langley reminds you to recycle packing materials like cardboard.
“However foam peanuts cannot be recycled, but you can find places that will take them, and then they reuse them," Langley said. "You can check with your local recycling agency."
Even batteries can be recycled. Langley says you can visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation’s website to find the closest drop-off location.
“Some of the big box stores will have places where you can just drop off your batteries, and that keeps them out of landfills, and batteries have acid in them," Langley said. "They’ve got different things in them that you probably don’t want getting back into the environment."
As for your live Christmas tree, check with your local municipality for seasonal pickup and recycling. When it comes to wrapping paper, Langley his this reminder.
“Never burn wrapping paper or Christmas trees and certainly don’t put them in your fireplace,” said Langley.
For more recycling tips visit deq.louisiana.gov/recycling
