Christmas Lights Recycling

Strings of lights that are excessively worn or not in proper working order are often discovered by holiday decorators. Rather than disposing of these unwanted light strands in the trash, recycling proves to be a better option. Recycling allows the metals and plastics in the unwanted strands to be reused in new products – reducing extraction costs, conserving resources and saving energy.

When replacing strings of worn or non-working lights, holiday decorators are encouraged to consider LED lights, which use about a tenth of the energy of conventional light strings and typically last many times longer.

Strings of unwanted Christmas lights will be collected for recycling between December 2, 2024 and January 31, 2025. Residents may place strings of lights in the specially-marked, outdoor, white collection box at the Macon County Environmental Management Recycling Center at 151 W. Wood Street, Decatur. Please note our recycle center has moved! We will be having an open house in the spring, more details to come at a later date.

Bulbs do not need to be removed from strands of lights to be recycled but all packaging, including bags or boxes used to transport the lights, and any other attachments such as hangers, garland or decorations should be removed before dropping-off.

Further information may be obtained by calling the Macon County Environmental Management Department at (217) 425-4505.