Christmas Junk, Christmas Junk

What to do with Grandma's Fruitcake?

By ecoRI News staff http://www.ecori.org/

Here's a list of what to do with all that extra gift-giving junk and holiday food scrap. Some items appear in multiple categories:

ReuseWrapping paper

• Gift bags and boxes
• Ribbons
• Plastic cups and plates
• Egg nog and fruit cake for French toast

Recycle

• Generic wrapping paper
• Stretchy plastic
• Paperboard cards
• Paper envelopes
• Cardboard
• Tissue paper
• Cooking foil

CompostCardboard

• Fruits and vegetables
• Coffee grounds
• Paper napkins and paper towels
• Uncoated paper plates
• Tissue paper
• Egg shells

LandfillHoliday cards with photos

• Metallic or plastic wrapping paper and envelopes
• Plastic cups and plates of any type (yes, that means all Dunkin Donuts cups)
• Coated paper plates
• Plastic serving platters and trays
• Plastic to-go containers and clam shells
• Fruitcake (or a doorstop)
• Paper cups
• Cling wrap for cooking

Other tips: Don't burn wrapping paper, it's a fire hazard and releases toxic chemicals; styrofoam can be recycled if brought to a proper facility, such as this one in North Smithfield; don't give the family dog(s) Grandma's fruitcake — sugar is bad for them.