Want to make a last-minute effort to avoid the naughty list and stay on the nice? As the delivery drivers make frequent stops at your door this time of year with holiday goodies and gifts, don’t forget that we want to keep those empty boxes out of the landfill.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, household waste increases by 25 percent during the holiday season. When it comes to cardboard, it’s important to remember our three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Here are some tips to achieve all three of these goals when it comes to shipping boxes this December.

Reduce

While it may be tempting to impulse-buy from every holiday sale that pops up on your screen, that can lead to a lot of boxes on your doorstep. One way to avoid this situation is by treating a visit to an online store the same as a physical one. Try to get everything you need in as few trips as possible.

Additionally, many online retailers will allow you to add new items to previous orders. Just being mindful about the number of shipments coming and combining when you can go a long way toward reducing holiday waste.

Reuse

The most obvious way to reuse your holiday retail shipping boxes is by using them to do your own shipping of gifts to your loved ones who live far away. But you can still wrap your presents for those who live in town in some of these smaller boxes. Why spend money on gift boxes when you have a whole stack of cardboard at home, ready to use?

It’s also a good time to take inventory of your organizational needs in your home. Maybe some of these extra cardboard boxes can be used for storage. Gardeners could also hang onto the boxes to help with mulching in the spring.

Recycle

Many of our communities have curbside recycling that makes it convenient to get your cardboard where it needs to go. For those without access to that service, cardboard boxes can be recycled at the following locations:

• The Lenawee County Drop Off Site, Corner of Race & River streets, 307 River Street, Adrian, MI 49221.
• Large amounts of cardboard should be taken to Goodwill Industries, 1357 Division Street, Adrian.
• Neighbors of HOPE, 117 E Maumee St, Suite 100, Adrian, also takes in cardboard recycling.
• For those who live in Morenci, there is a cardboard dumpster at the Department of Public Works Building.

Most recycling services ask for boxes to be flattened, and for all tape to be removed. Large boxes should be broken down into smaller pieces to fit into bins and compactors. Remember to remove all bubble wrap, cellophane, plastic film and bags, air pillows and foam packaging (try to put these materials to use before putting them in the trash).

For recycling FAQs, cardboard tips, and other information about the Lenawee County drop-off site, visit the Lenawee County Solid Waste Department’s web page, or call 517-264-4511.