WWRA’s Guide to Halloween Recycling
Happy Halloween from the WWRA! Celebrate with this comprehensive guide to Halloween Recycling and planet-friendly activities.
Halloween Candy Recycling
Did you know that Michigan's most popular Halloween candy is Starburst? Starbursts surpassed Candy Corn as Michigan's #1 in 2022. This thin plastic and wax paper covered treat does not have any recyclable packaging, so here's some alternatives to consider:
- Treats in cardboard containers: Dots, large boxes of M&M's, skittles, milk duds, and raisins
- Candy wrapped in tin foil: Chocolates and chocolate bars
- Toys and activities: Coloring books, toys made with plastics 1-7
- For your family: Consider buying bulk candies and snack mixes from zero waste stores and grocery stores
Remember, DON’T recycle plastic bags! Thin plastics and bagged recycling are the #1 contaminates at the WWRA, so keep them out of your recycling! These items can jam up the recycling mechanics, causing damage and wasted time.
Jack o' Lantern Recycling
How do you dispose of your jack o' lanterns? Sending organic material like pumpkins to a landfill causes them to decompose incorrectly, creating harmful methane gas and underutilizing nutrients that composting creates. Remember, food waste and compost like pumpkins are not recyclable, but they are compostable! For some extra fun at the end of this holiday, host a Pumpkin Smash! Gather baseball bats, axes, other tools, and safety equipment and smash your pumpkins in an open area. This is a great way to break down pumpkins for composting and have some fun. Learn more about Pumpkin Smashes by clicking here.
Halloween Decor
The most sustainable decor is the items you already own! If you're looking for more Halloween decor, consider thrift stores, Facebook groups, or DIY. Here's some spooky inspiration for your home:
Halloween Decorations from Recycled Materials
Kid's Halloween Crafts from Recycled Materials
Environmental Halloween Activities
What's your favorite way to celebrate this season? Whether its curling up to watch a cozy movie, making your favorite treats, or trick or treating, everyone can celebrate in their own way. A great way to see the fall colors and help our planet is to clean up trash in your area! Litter is harmful to our environment and can be safely picked up with a little time and a good hot chocolate. Some litter is recyclable, such as fast food cups and pop cans, and some can be properly disposed of in the trash. Get your neighborhood ready for trick or treaters by cleaning up! You can help prevent litter as well by placing recycling and trash bins on your porch for trick or treaters grabbing a snack.
What's your favorite fall themed food? I'm a big fan of caramel and apples. Whenever I'm shopping for my favorite fall foods, I look for recyclable packaging or package free goods. Checking the bottom, top, or back label of products will often give you information on how to recycle the product and what recycling number the packaging is. Remember, this information is general and may not directly reflect the WWRA's rules. Check our website for specific information or send us a picture!