The holiday season is here! Whether you are making room for new stuff or getting rid of unwanted items, here is what you need to know about recycling and disposal in Linn County.
What to do with Christmas lightsCan be recycled for free at the Solid Waste Agency’s Marion location, 1954 County Home Road, inside the Resource Recovery building as part of the electronics recycling program.
Christmas lights CANNOT be recycled curbside in any community.
What to do with wrapping paper Throw it away; wrapping paper cannot be recycled because of the lack of good quality fiber, combined with the volume of “sheen”, or foil, coatings. Even if the paper says “Recyclable” throw it away to be safe so you do not contaminate the rest of the recyclables!
Use gift bags instead.
What to do
with batteriesDepends on the type of battery. Alkaline batteries, the common AA, AAA, D, C, and 9-volt can be thrown away in the garbage. They do not contain hazardous materials.
Recycle rechargeable, lead acid, lithium, and automotive batteries. Linn County residents can drop them off for no charge at the Solid Waste Agency’s Marion location, 1954 County Home Road, inside the Resource Recovery building. These types of batteries include hearing aid, watch, power tool, and car batteries.
What to do
with plastic, cardboard, paperBring to the Solid Waste Agency’s Marion location, 1954 County Home Road, inside the Resource Recovery building and recycle for free. Make sure the recyclables are empty, clean, and dry, and any Styrofoam and plastic wrap have been removed.
What to do with Christmas treesCheck with your hauler to see if they will collect Christmas trees curbside. They may have rules for disposal. City of Cedar Rapids Christmas Tree Disposal Info; City of Marion Christmas Tree Disposal Info
Solid Waste Agency: accepted at both locations, 1954 County Home Road, Marion, and 2250 A Street SW, Cedar Rapids for a $5 flat-fee.
Flocked TreesFlocked Trees are considered a garbage item. Most communities have requirements for how they can be thrown away. Check with your hauler.
What to do
with unwanted
TVs/MonitorsTVs and monitors can be recycled at the Solid Waste Agency’s Marion location, 1954 County Home Road, inside the Resource Recovery building for a fee.
TVs & Monitors: $15 each (regardless of size and weight); $0.25 per pound for loads with 5 or more units.
What to do with all other electronics? All other electronics, excluding TVs and monitors, such as DVD players, VCRs, stereos, and more, can be recycled for no charge at the Solid Waste Agency’s Marion location, 1954 County Home Road, inside the Resource Recovery building when dropped off in a residential sized load. Bulk/commercial sized loads will be charged $0.25 per pound.