The holiday season is full of joy, celebration, and unfortunately, extra waste. At Shadyside Worms, we’re here to help you turn holiday leftovers into a resource, not landfill fodder. Here are some tips to keep your composting on track and sustainable through the festivities.

1. Compost Your Holiday Dinner Scraps

Big meals can lead to lots of leftovers and food waste. Compost:

• Fruit and vegetable peelings
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Bread, rice, and other starchy scraps

Make composting easy during gatherings by setting up a bin for guests to separate food scraps and compostable paper products.

Avoid large amounts of greasy foods or undrained soups as they can disrupt the composting process.

2. Recycle and Compost Paper Products

• Shred plain wrapping paper and tissue paper for your compost (no glitter or metallic finishes).
• Compost uncoated sections of cardboard boxes, like the insides of pizza boxes.
• Recycle glossy or laminated wrapping materials instead.

Avoid tightly packing paper plates or napkins. Try ripping them and loosely dispersing them throughout your bin. This avoids air pockets and helps the composting process.

3. Compost Holiday Decor Thoughtfully

• Remove ribbons, bows, and non-organic elements from brown gift bags before composting.
• Add natural decor, like pine boughs or flower arrangements, to your compost pile after removing wire, plastic ties, and floral foam.
• Remember: we do not accept wreaths or Christmas trees.

Check this link for a guide to recycling your Christmas trees with the city!

4. Eco-Friendly Gifting Tips

• Use reusable bags or fabric wraps for gifts to reduce the need for composting or recycling paper products.
• Compost plain brown gift tags and natural twine, but avoid synthetic ribbons.

5. Know What Not to Compost

• Synthetic gift wrap or glossy holiday cards
• NO Christmas trees or wreaths
• Candles, synthetic ribbons, or biohazardous materials

Celebrate Sustainably

The holidays are a time to celebrate, and composting is a great way to honor the earth while enjoying the season. By following these tips, you can reduce waste and contribute to a healthier planet. Have questions? Reach out to us through email at Shadyside Worms, and we’ll help you make the most of your composting efforts this holiday season!🐛