Every year, homeowners wonder, “What should I do with old Christmas lights?” Whether they’re broken, tangled, or outdated, simply tossing them in the trash isn’t the best option.
- ✅ Recycling Christmas lights helps the environment by keeping waste out of landfills.
- ✅ You can actually get paid for them instead of dropping them off for free at a recycling center.
Most people don’t realize that holiday lights contain valuable metals like copper and brass, which scrap yards will buy. So before you take your old lights to a local drop-off, let’s explore how you can recycle them responsibly—while making extra cash in the process.
In this guide, we’ll answer:
- Where to recycle Christmas lights near you?
- How to prepare them for the best payout?
- What happens after you recycle them?
Why Recycle Christmas Lights Instead of Throwing Them Away?
Can You Recycle Old Christmas Lights?
Yes! Christmas lights contain recyclable materials that can be repurposed instead of ending up in a landfill. While many cities accept them through municipal recycling programs, these services don’t pay you.
What Are Christmas Lights Made Of?
Most holiday lights contain:
- Copper wire – The most valuable part is found inside the cords.
- Brass connectors – Some plugs contain brass, which has scrap value.
- Plastic and glass bulbs – These parts generally aren’t recyclable but can be removed.
Environmental Benefits of Recycling Christmas Lights
- Prevents landfill waste – Millions of pounds of Christmas lights are discarded every year.
- Conserves valuable metals – Recycling keeps copper and brass in circulation.
- Encourages responsible disposal – Instead of tossing them, scrapping them gives the materials new life.
While these are great reasons to recycle holiday lights, there’s an even better option—getting paid for them!
How to Prepare Christmas Lights for Recycling
Do You Need to Strip Christmas Lights Before Recycling?
No, but separating different materials can increase the payout if selling to a scrap yard.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Christmas Lights for Recycling
- Remove excess plastic – If your lights have decorative plastic casings, take them off.
- Separate different types of lights – Some yards may pay more for LED vs. traditional bulbs.
- Sort other metal parts – Plugs may contain brass, which is worth more than mixed wire.
- Bundle wires together – Keeping similar materials grouped makes selling easier.
What Happens When You Recycle Christmas Lights?
Ever wonder where your old lights end up? Here’s the process:
- Recycling centers or scrap yards shred the lights to separate materials.
- Copper is extracted and cleaned for reuse in wiring, plumbing, or electronics.
- Plastic and glass parts are processed separately—some get repurposed, while others are discarded.
Where to Recycle Christmas Lights (And Get Paid!)
Most Homeowners Take Them To:
- Municipal recycling centers – Many cities accept old Christmas lights but don’t pay you.
- Retail store drop-offs: Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other stores offer seasonal recycling programs, but again, you don’t get money in your pocket.
- E-waste recyclers – Some electronic waste recyclers accept Christmas lights but usually process them for free.
🛑 Instead of giving them away, you can sell them for cash!
How to Find the Best Place to Recycle Christmas Lights for Money
- Use the iScrap App to locate scrap yards that accept Christmas lights near you.
- Compare current scrap prices to find the best payout.
- Check yard policies—some may offer better rates for stripped wire vs. full strands.
How Much Can You Make? Scrap prices for Christmas lights vary based on copper content and local demand, but checking rates beforehand ensures you get the best deal!
Other Holiday Decorations You Can Recycle for Cash
Christmas lights aren’t the only decorations that can be recycled for money! Consider collecting:
- Metal ornaments – Many are made of brass, aluminum, or steel.
- Light-up yard decorations – Older models contain wiring and metal frames that have scrap value.
- Artificial Christmas trees with metal bases – Some trees have recyclable metal stands.
- Extension cords & power strips – These contain copper wire and are often scrappable.
Pro Tip: Check your neighborhood for discarded holiday decorations after the holidays—you might find free scrap metal!
Recycling vs. Scrapping – What’s Best for You?
Recycling at a drop-off center is a good choice if you want to dispose of lights responsibly. However, selling them to a scrap yard is better if you want to make money. Before you decide, check scrap yard rates using the iScrap App—you might be surprised how much those old Christmas lights are worth!
