Americans generate approximately 25 percent more waste during the holidays than throughout the year, according to the city of Federal Way. Here are free recycling options for materials commonly generated during the holidays:
• Styrofoam block recycling: Free Styrofoam block recycling runs through Jan. 15 at the Federal Way City Hall parking lot, 33325 Eighth Ave. S. Only clean white Styrofoam blocks are accepted for recycling — please no cups, food trays, foam sheeting or other plastics.
• Holiday tree recycling: Cut, natural holiday trees are picked up for free from all Federal Way residents on the regular neighborhood collection day the weeks of Dec. 28 and Jan. 4.
• TVs and computers: Drop off televisions, computers, monitors, laptops and tablets — working or not — at Goodwill, 32521 Pacific Highway S. or Deseret Industries, 2200 S. 320th St. for free recycling through the E-Cycle Washington program. Other non-working electronics are
accepted at the city’s recycling event on April 16 at the Wild Waves parking lot.
• Clothing and shoes: Donate all your unwanted clothing, shoes and linens, including those that are ripped, stained or torn to Goodwill, 32521 Pacific Highway S. or Deseret Industries, 2200 S. 320th St.
• Used cooking oil: Recycle cooking oil in the black tank at French Lake Dog Park, 31531 First Ave. S. The tank is located on the right as you drive in.
• Wrapping paper: Curbside recycling is unlimited, so if your recycling cart fills up with wrapping paper and gift boxes, put the extras in a can or cardboard box labeled “recycling” and set it next to your recycling cart. You can also drop off a wide range of recyclables at Bow
Lake Recycling Center, 18800 Orillia Road S., Tukwila.
• Holiday schedule: Waste Management observes only three holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. There is no garbage, recycling or yard waste collection on these days. Service will be one day later that week for those scheduled on or after the holiday.
This New Year’s day, all Friday customers will be serviced on Saturday during both of those weeks. Waste Management will post updates if weather conditions prevent safe collection of garbage at www.wmnorthwest.com/weatherboard.
For more recycling information, visit www.cityoffederalway.com/recycling.
