Cape Cod Launches Free Holiday Light Recycling at Cape Cod Transfer Stations
Cape Cod residents can recycle old or broken holiday lights for free through Jan. 31, 2026, in collection bins located at transfer stations in all 15 towns.
Cape Cod residents can recycle old or broken holiday lights for free through Jan. 31, 2026, in collection bins located at transfer stations in all 15 towns. This initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and AmeriCorps Cape Cod.
The light-recycling effort is in response to broader environmental and waste-reduction goals for Cape Cod and involves a collaboration between Barnstable County and Cape Cod towns.
“This is one of the easiest things people can do to reduce holiday waste,” said Kari Parcell, municipal assistance coordinator with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, in a statement shared on the Barnstable County website. “A single strand can be recycled into new materials instead of taking up space in the landfill.”
Participation is simple: Individuals can drop off lights at their town's transfer station Holiday Lights Recycling bin. No sorting, fees, or appointments are required.
Acceptable items include the following:
- C7 and C9 bulbs
- Garland lights
- Mini lights
- LED holiday lights
- Rope lights
Items that are not accepted include lights attached to artificial trees and lighted decorations, such as angels, stars, or other figures.
Here's what happens to the lights upon recycling: A recycling vendor separates the lights into plastic and metal. The plastic is removed, and the metal is melted down to make new products.
Learn more about this recycling effort through the following Lower Cape TV segment:
