Don't throw away holiday lights, recycle them!

As residents begin decorating for the holiday season, remember that burnt-out holiday light strands can be recycled at seasonal drop-off locations in the Iowa City and Coralville area at no cost. Holiday light strands should not be placed in regular recycling.

You can recycle holiday lights at the following locations from Nov. 16, 2026, to Jan. 15, 2027:

Iowa City locations

• East Side Recycling Center has two collection bin locations (2401 Scott Blvd. SE)
  • Oil Recycling Shed
    • Hours of operation: daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • ReStore Donations via electronic recycling (around the back of main building)
    • Hours of operation: Wednesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • More information: icgov.org/esrc
• Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center via electronic recycling (3900 Hebl Ave. SW)
  • Hours of operation: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon
  • More information: icgov.org/landfill
• Iowa City City Hall via bin located outside of main entrance (410 E Washington St.)
  • Hours of operation: daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Coralville locations

Coralville offers several holiday lights recycling locations, including the Coralville Recycling Center (212 1st St.) and Coralville City Hall (1512 7th St.). Learn more at their website.