KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — The day after Christmas is called Boxing Day, and although most people don't celebrate it in the U.S., waste management workers in Knox County say they see an increase in traffic at their trash and recycling centers.
"This is typical for after Thanksgiving and Christmas," Zach Johnson, the Knox County Solid Waste Operations Manager said. "Usually the uptick in traffic we kind of refer to as the 'Super Bowl' of trash for us in the waste world."
Several Knox County Convenience Centers are a one-stop shop for families' Christmas trash.
People throwing away cardboard boxes should make sure there's no plastic. For wrapping paper, Johnson said a good rule of thumb is if you can rip it, you can recycle it in the "mixed paper" section.
Used car and cooking oil can be recycled year-round. Bulky items, including fake trees, can be thrown away at the Knox County Convenience Centers, too.
As for real Christmas trees, families have a few options. Most importantly, families should make sure to take off all the ornaments, tinsel, and lights.
- If you live in Knoxville, the city will pick them up as part of their normal brush service, starting Jan. 2. The city says, be patient, and they should pick them up.
- Families can take your tree to Little Ponderosa Zoo in Clinton. Just call ahead of time, and the zoo will help you schedule a drop-off time. The zoo uses it for food and enrichment activities for the animals.
- Within Knox County, you can take your tree to one of the several county convenience centers. They will use the trees for mulch.
And for those Christmas lights, families can donate them at a Goodwill, or at one of several Knox County Convenience Centers at Halls, Dutchtown, John Sevier and Karns.