How to Recycle Christmas Lights in Grand Rapids—3 Locations You Need to Know

If you celebrate Christmas, you know how festive and decorative we can be.

After Christmas, if you do not plan to store your lights for years to come, what can you do with them, especially if they are broken?

Since the City of Ann Arbor recycles Christmas tree lights, that made me wonder if that was possible in Grand Rapids.

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Where To Recycle Christmas Lights In Grand Rapids

The city of Grand Rapids and Kent County have an option for you if you need to get rid of those Christmas lights without them ending up in a landfill.

If you live within Kent County, the recycling center will only accept a strand (or three) of Christmas lights at 3 of their facilities. You should never place them in the curbside recycling bins.

Those three locations where you can donate your broken or unwanted Christmas lights are:

• North Kent Waste & Recycling Center in Rockford (2908 10 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341)
• Administrative & SafeChem Center in Grand Rapids (1045 Wealthy St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504)
• South Kent Waste & Recycling Center in Byron Center (10300 S Kent Dr SW, Byron Center, MI 49315)

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While you can recycle certain things, keep in mind that you cannot recycle the following items, especially during the holiday season.

• Wrapping Paper
• Tissue Paper
• Toys
• Shrink Wrap
• Electronics
• Foam (plates, cups take-out boxes)
• Batteries
• Plastic-coated cartons (juice, milk)
• Dirty food containers
• Christmas Lights*
• Frying oil
• Paper plates and Napkins
• Photographs
• Broken glass (that is considered a hazardous material)
• Light bulbs
• Tires

For more information on recycling, Kent County released the 2024 Holiday Recycling Guide.