Halloween is a time for fun costumes, spooky decorations, and, of course, lots of treats! But once the festivities are over, you’re often left with a pile of wrappers, candy containers, and other waste. Knowing what to throw away and what to recycle can help reduce your environmental impact and keep your trash cans clean.

Here’s a simple guide on how to manage your Halloween waste:

Candy Wrappers: Trash

Unfortunately, most candy wrappers are made from materials that aren’t recyclable, like plastic and aluminum mixes. Popular candies like chocolate bars and individually wrapped sweets often come in these kinds of wrappers, so they should be tossed in the trash.

Tip: If your trash can gets sticky from all those wrappers, be sure to schedule a cleaning to avoid odors and pests!

Plastic Packaging: Recycle

If the candy came in a larger plastic bag, check for a recycling symbol. Many plastic bags are recyclable if your local recycling program accepts soft plastics. Just make sure the bag is clean and dry before tossing it in your recycling bin.

Cardboard Boxes: Recycle

Candy boxes made of cardboard, like those used for certain chocolates or small candies, can usually go straight into your recycling bin. Flatten them first to save space!

Plastic Candy Buckets and Containers: Recycle or Reuse

If your Halloween candy came in a reusable plastic container or bucket, consider using it again next year! If it’s broken or you don’t need it, check if the plastic is recyclable in your area.

Halloween Decorations: Reuse or Recycle

If your Halloween decorations are still in good condition, pack them away for next year. If they’re no longer usable, check the materials. Paper and cardboard decorations can be recycled, while plastic ones might be trash, unless you can find a way to reuse them.

Compost: Consider for Some Treats

Got any leftover unwrapped candies or spoiled baked goods? If they’re natural and don’t have any wrappers, they can be composted. Just be mindful not to add anything with too much sugar, which could attract pests.

Keep Your Trash Cans Fresh

After Halloween, your trash cans might be filled with candy wrappers, food waste, and sticky residue. This can lead to bad smells and attract unwanted critters. To keep your trash cans clean and fresh, consider signing up for a professional cleaning service like Clean Cans. We’ll help you start the post-Halloween season with spotless bins!

By sorting your Halloween waste correctly, you’re doing your part to reduce landfill waste and make recycling easier. Every little bit counts!