UTICA, N.Y. – Valentine’s Day is one of the most wasteful days of the year, according to the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority.
Between non-recyclable candy boxes and cellophane candy wrappers, many remnants of the holiday end up in the trash.
“With all the cards, greeting cards, chocolates and the flowers and vases -- a lot of those things unfortunately can't go in your recycling bin. Greeting cards and valentines you can still recycle those year-round, but a lot of the candy boxes and candy wrappings, those have to go in the garbage,” said Jamie Tuttle, recycling program coordinator at the authority.
Even flowers end up in the trash, unless they are composted. Vases can also be donated to flower shops instead of tossing them out.
There are other environmentally friendly ways to celebrate, like going making a homemade present or doing an activity instead of buying non-recyclable gifts.
For more information on what can be recycled, and alternative uses for gift items, visit: ohswa.org.