Don’t Trash Your Holiday

5 Simple Ways to Reduce Waste Headline Graphic

1. Celebrate with a Living Christmas Tree

A living Christmas Tree cartoon

Composting your natural, undecorated Christmas tree is an easy and effective way to keep organic matter out of landfills. When organic materials like food scraps or plants (such as Christmas trees) are thrown into landfills, they break down without oxygen, producing methane—a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Composting, however, transforms these trees into nutrient-rich soil that benefits gardens and landscapes. By composting your tree, you’re reducing waste and supporting a sustainable, closed-loop system.

Additionally, some of the trees we collect are chipped and used as biomass fuel at a Co-Generation power plant. This renewable energy source replaces traditional fossil fuels like coal and is considered carbon neutral. When you compost your tree with Marin Sanitary Service, you’re supporting a sustainable, closed-loop system.

Last year, we collected over 8,000 trees, making a big impact on the environment!

Composting your Natural Tree is EASY

First, make sure your tree is free of decorations and stands.

Visit our Holiday Schedule page for more information about tree collection and service updates.

2. Gift Sustainably

Avoid adding more “stuff” to people’s lives by giving something truly memorable, like experiences. Tickets to a local event, a community club membership, or a cooking class make thoughtful, package-free gifts that create lasting memories. How about gifting an experience like a cooking class or a wine tasting they’ll cherish for years to come? 

Locally made goodies like handmade candles, artisanal chocolates, or natural skincare products are always a hit and come with a smaller carbon footprint by supporting local artisans. If you’re feeling crafty, homemade gifts like a jar of your famous cookies or a knitted scarf add a personal touch that can’t be bought. And don’t forget the value of giving your time—plan a fun day together, like a hike or a movie night, instead of buying something they might not need. Even a heartfelt letter expressing your gratitude can be a wonderful and meaningful gift that will be cherished for years.

3. Wrap Wisely

Traditional wrapping paper isn’t accepted in curbside recycling carts, but you can still wrap beautifully and sustainably by using reusable or repurposed materials. The key is to think about how the wrapping can be part of the gift, making it both thoughtful and sustainable.

A reusable bag cartoon image

4. Plan Zero Waste Meals

Reducing food waste during the holidays is one of the easiest ways to have a positive impact on the environment. Did you know that nearly 40% of food in the United States goes uneaten, and during the holiday season, this number can spike even higher? According to the USDA, American households waste around $1,500 worth of food each year, much of it during the holidays when we’re cooking large meals and hosting gatherings. By planning your meals carefully and using leftovers creatively, you can help reduce this waste and save money in the process.

Start by creating a menu that matches the number of guests to avoid cooking too much. Get creative with leftovers—turn roasted vegetables into soups, or use leftover turkey in a fresh salad. Properly storing any extras in airtight containers keeps them fresh longer and reduces the chance of spoilage. And when you have food scraps, don’t toss them—compost them in your green compostables cart. By composting, you’re diverting waste from landfills and turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil.

With a little planning, you can enjoy delicious meals, reduce food waste, and make your holiday season more eco-friendly!

A roast turkey with arrows pointing to sandwich and soup leftovers

Get Help With Holiday Meal Planning

Save The Food, a public service website by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), offers a dinner party calculator that allows you to estimate how much food you really need to entertain. In addition, they provide tips on creating perfectly portioned shopping lists, and provide tips for proper food storage.

5. Remember to Recycle right

The holiday season is a prime time to boost your recycling efforts, as many of the items used during this time can be easily recycled. According to the EPA, Americans generate 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, but a significant portion of that waste can be recycled if handled properly.
A green recycle icon surrounded by recyclable materials

By being mindful of what can be reused or recycled, you can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your holiday celebrations. 

Not sure if something is recyclable? Give our Where Does It Go, Joe? sorting tool a try!

Skip to content