Tangled cords. Broken bulbs. Half the string flickers, the other half’s dead. Sound familiar? Every holiday season, millions of people pull out their old Christmas tree lights only to find they no longer work — and then wonder, Can you recycle Christmas lights?
The answer is yes — but it’s not as simple as tossing them in the blue bin.
Recycling Christmas tree lights properly helps keep electronic waste out of landfills, prevents hazardous materials from polluting the environment, and even allows valuable metals like copper to be recovered.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to recycle Christmas lights the right way — including where to recycle broken string lights, donation options for working ones, and creative ways to repurpose old light strands.
Let’s reduce holiday waste and recycle smarter this season.
Key Takeaway: How to Recycle Christmas Tree Lights Responsibly
You can’t recycle Christmas lights in your curbside bin, but you have better options. Drop them off at local recycling centers, hardware stores, or community events. Mail-in programs also accept broken lights and offer discounts or charitable donations. Recycling or repurposing old lights helps reduce e-waste and supports a greener holiday season.
Can You Recycle Christmas Tree Lights?
Yes, you can recycle Christmas tree lights — and you should! These lights contain valuable recyclable materials like copper wiring, plastic insulation, and sometimes even glass.
Most light strands are coated with PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a type of plastic that shouldn’t end up in landfills. Inside, you’ll often find LED bulbs, which can also be recycled at electronics drop-off centers.
Because Christmas lights are considered electronic waste (e-waste), they must be recycled through proper channels — not your curbside bin. Doing so keeps toxic materials out of the environment and helps recover reusable metals.
Why Should You Recycle Christmas Tree Lights?
Recycling Christmas lights may seem like a small gesture, but it has a huge environmental impact. Every year, Americans throw away over 20 million pounds of holiday lights, most of which end up in landfills or incinerators.
These lights are made from valuable yet slow-to-degrade materials — like copper wiring, plastic (PVC) coating, glass, and even small electronic components.
Tossing them in your curbside recycling bin? Not a good idea. They can tangle in machinery at recycling facilities and contaminate entire loads — making the system less efficient.
Here’s why responsible holiday light recycling matters:
- Keeps electronic waste (e-waste) out of landfills
- Recovers valuable metals for reuse
- Encourages a shift to energy-efficient LED Christmas lights
- Supports recycling programs and sometimes even charities like Toys for Tots
When you recycle old string lights properly, you’re doing more than decluttering — you’re making a meaningful difference during the holidays.
How to Recycle Christmas Tree Lights Near You: Local and Mail-in Recycling Solutions
Whatever you do — don’t toss your old Christmas lights into the curbside recycling bin.
The wires can jam sorting machines, endanger workers, and contaminate entire recycling batches.
Instead, use dedicated e-waste recycling options. Here’s what happens when you recycle Christmas lights the right way:
- Cords and bulbs are shredded into small pieces
- Machines separate copper, PVC plastic, and glass
- Recovered materials are reused to make new products, like slippers, electronics, or construction materials
Local Recycling Options for Christmas Tree Lights
Municipal Recycling Programs
Check with your local municipal solid waste office — they often run seasonal light recycling programs or direct you to nearby e-waste drop-offs.
Because recycling programs vary by city, always confirm:
- Accepted types (incandescent, LED, solar-powered)
- Drop-off hours and locations
- Whether lights must be bagged or boxed
Responsible recycling through your municipality ensures lights are handled safely and don’t end up in landfills.
Hardware Store Drop-Offs
Many major retailers accept broken holiday lights for free:
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Ace Hardware
- True Value
These stores typically offer in-store collection bins during the holiday season. Some even provide discounts on LED replacements when you bring in old light strands.
Pro Tip: Check store websites or call ahead to confirm availability of their light recycling program.
Community Recycling Events
Seasonal drives and local green events also accept old lights.
One example: MOM’s Organic Market’s Holiday Lights Recycling Drive sends old lights to Capitol Asset Recycling, where they’re smelted or shredded to recover materials.
Find upcoming events through:
- Local environmental groups
- City sustainability newsletters
- School or nonprofit holiday recycling drives
Recycling lights at these events supports local green efforts — and keeps harmful materials out of the trash.
Mail-In Recycling Programs for Christmas Tree Lights
Can’t find a local drop-off? No problem. Several companies offer mail-in recycling programs for old Christmas lights — and even reward you with discounts on LED replacements.
Here are two trusted options:
Holiday LEDs Recycling Program
Holiday LEDs offers year-round mail-in recycling for both incandescent and LED lights.
How it works:
- Mail your old or broken lights to their facility
- They’ll shred and separate materials like copper, glass, and PVC
- You’ll receive a 15% discount on new energy-efficient lights at their store
This is a great option if you’re upgrading to LED lights and want a simple, eco-friendly recycling method.
Christmas Light Source Recycling Program
Christmas Light Source runs a seasonal Christmas Light Recycling Program that benefits both the environment and children in need.
What they do:
- Accept old or broken light strands by mail
- Recycle them responsibly through a third-party facility
- Donate all proceeds to Toys for Tots to buy books and toys
As a thank-you, they’ll send you a 10% coupon toward a new purchase of lights from their store.
Why These Online Options Work:
- Prevent lights from ending up in landfills
- Support charitable causes during the holidays
- Get discounts on new, energy-efficient LED lights
- Easy process — just box and ship!
Summary: Where to Recycle Christmas Tree Lights
You can’t recycle Christmas lights in your curbside bin, but you have better options.
Drop them off at local e-waste centers, municipal recycling programs, or hardware stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware. Many community recycling events also accept old lights.
Prefer to do it online? Mail-in programs like Holiday LEDs and Christmas Light Source let you send in broken lights for proper recycling — and you’ll often get a discount on new LED lights or support a charity like Toys for Tots
Where to Recycle Christmas Tree Lights Near You
You can first check with your state’s requirements on how to dispose of your old Christmas lights. GreenCitizen also has a mail-in recycling program where you can send your Christmas lights to us and we’ll recycle them for you.
Another option is to use the Green Directory, a nationwide search engine for recycling virtually any item or material, including Christmas lights.
Whether one bulb is out, or the entire string, don’t throw away Christmas lights into the trash. If they can’t be donated, consider recycling as a green alternative. These lights contain valuable materials that can be reused again without further damaging the environment.
At GreenCitizen, we strive to develop a sustainable metropolitan model that focuses on the circular economy. Why mine for more resources when the ones we already have can be repurposed?
This holiday season, make the eco-friendly decision to recycle your old Christmas lights instead of putting them in the garbage. Residents can drop them off at our Burlingame EcoCenter while businesses can sign up for convenient building pickups.
Where to Recycle Christmas Lights in the San Francisco Bay Area
Luckily for Bay Area residents, GreenCitizen will recycle Christmas tree lights at our Burlingame EcoCenter for $0.75/lbs. This recycling fee makes sure they’re recycled locally and in the most environmentally responsible way.
They’re sent to Sims Metal Management in Redwood City, an e-steward certified electronics recycler. Sims grinds the strings up and separates the plastic and copper for reuse.
How to Repurpose Old or Working Christmas Tree Lights (Creative DIY Ideas)
If your old Christmas lights are still functional but you’re looking for a change, consider repurposing them in creative ways. By transforming your old lights into DIY ornaments, festive wreaths and garlands, or bedroom and patio decor, you can give them a new life while reducing waste.
The following sections will inspire and provide ideas to repurpose your old Christmas tree lights.
DIY Ornaments
One creative way to repurpose your old Christmas tree lights is by turning them into unique DIY ornaments. This gives your old lights a new purpose and adds a personal touch to your holiday decorations.
There are numerous DIY ornament ideas that you can try, such as:
- Wrapping the old lights in bakers twine
- Spray painting them
- Covering them in glitter
- Creating a light canvas
- Making a DIY string light Christmas tree
- Creating a vintage light bulb garland
The possibilities are endless, and your repurposed ornaments are sure to be a conversation starter during the holiday season.
Festive Wreaths and Garlands
Another way to repurpose your old Christmas tree lights is by creating festive wreaths and garlands. Incorporating your old lights into wreaths and garlands can add a touch of sparkle and make your holiday decorations feel more special and unique.
There are countless ideas for festive wreaths and garlands using repurposed Christmas lights. For example, you can wrap your old lights around a wreath form, intertwine them with greenery, or combine them with ornaments and other decorative elements. The result will be a beautiful, one-of-a-kind decoration that brings warmth and cheer to your home during the holiday season.
Bedroom and Patio Decor
Repurposed Christmas tree lights can also be used to enhance your bedroom or patio decor. By incorporating old lights into your living spaces, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere while celebrating the festive nature of the holiday season.
There are numerous ways to incorporate your old lights into your bedroom and patio decor. For example, you can string them along a headboard, drape them over a mirror, or weave them through a trellis on your patio. The soft glow of the lights will add a touch of warmth and magic to your space, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day.
Where to Donate Working Christmas Tree Lights (And Who Accepts Them)
If your Christmas lights still work but no longer fit your style or setup, don’t throw them out — donate them. Giving away functional lights is an easy way to reduce waste, extend their lifespan, and help others enjoy a brighter holiday season.
Nonprofits That Accept Holiday Light Donations
Two standout organizations make it easy to pass along your old lights:
- The Christmas Tree Project – This nonprofit provides free Christmas trees and decorations — including lights — to families in need across the U.S.
- Donna’s Christmas Trees – A charity that matches donated trees and décor with families who might otherwise go without.
Both groups accept working lights in good condition, typically by mail or through seasonal drop-off events. Always check their websites for current donation guidelines.
Local Donation Options in Your Area
Beyond national nonprofits, check with:
- Community centers or church groups hosting seasonal drives
- Schools or youth organizations decorating for holiday events
- Thrift stores or secondhand shops (if the lights are tested and safe)
Some local recycling events may also include donation drop-offs alongside their standard programs — a great way to give back while staying sustainable.
Tips for Donating Christmas Lights
To make sure your lights are accepted and useful:
- Only donate strands that are fully functional
- Coil them neatly with twist ties or a spool
- Label the box if possible (e.g., “Working LED lights”)
- Include extra bulbs or fuses if you have them
Donating your Christmas lights keeps them out of landfills and brings festive cheer to someone else’s home — a win-win for people and the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can recycle your Christmas tree lights at big brands like Lowe’s, The Home Depot, True Value, and Ace Hardware during the holiday season. They may also offer promotions to swap incandescents for energy-efficient LEDs.
For responsibly recycling your broken Christmas lights, bring them to retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and True Value.
Yes, Menards does offer a drop-off area to recycle old Christmas lights just after the holidays.
You can get creative with your old lights and make DIY ornaments, festive wreaths and garlands, as well as bedroom and patio decor.
How to Recycle Christmas Tree Lights Responsibly This Holiday Season
Recycling old Christmas tree lights is a simple but powerful way to reduce waste, protect the environment, and help others celebrate the holidays with joy.
Whether you choose to drop them off locally, mail them in to an online program, repurpose them creatively, or donate working strands — every action makes a difference.
This season, take the extra step. Don’t let old string lights end up in the landfill. Instead, recycle them properly and encourage others to do the same.
Looking for where to recycle Christmas tree lights near you? Use the Green Directory to find a certified drop-off or mail-in recycling option in your area.
