How to keep your holiday cheer out of landfills

'Twas the Monday after Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was incorrectly sorting recyclables, not even a mouse.

(To be fair, a mouse probably wouldn't be sorting recyclables at all.)

The stockings can be put back in storage with care, but the rest of the mess goes where?

The children searched for answers on their phones while in their beds, as visions of properly sorted refuse danced in their heads.

In other words, don't just send your holiday detritus to the landfill.

You can help keep garbage and recycling workers jolly by following a few simple tips:

MAMMA WITH HER LAPTOP, AND I WITH MY PHONE...

So you received new electronic gadgets for Christmas — congratulations! Now, what to do with the old stuff?

There are more than half a dozen electronic recyclers around the county. They’ll take your old laptops, cell phones, and televisions.

Call ahead to make sure they’ll be able to take your items and ask about any fees for the service.

WERE SETTLED AND PACKAGED IN STYROFOAM

The plastic wrap or film your goodies came with can’t be recycled. Throw that out. Same with Styrofoam or packing peanuts.

It’s not ideal, but it prevents contaminating your recyclables.

Some shipping centers can take and reuse them as long as they’re clean, so know before you throw (them out).

WHEN OUT ON THE LAWN THERE AROSE SUCH A CLATTER, I SPRANG FROM MY BED AND SAW BUSTED LIGHTS WERE THE MATTER

If you’re ready to replace those burned out holiday lights, don’t throw them out.

Some retailers will recycle your unwanted lights. And when you're ready to replace them, consider getting LED lights.

AWAY TO THE COMPOST MY TREE FLEW WITH A FLASH...

Recycling your holiday tree is far better for the environment than simply tossing it. Just remember to remove all decorations, and don't try to send your artificial tree to the chipper.

King County residents who want to give their trees new life as wood chips or compost have several options:

• Curbside collection: If you have curbside yard waste collection service, you may place your tree at the curb with your regular yard waste.
• City events: Some cities offer free tree recycling events for their residents. Contact your city for details.
• King County recycling and transfer stations: More information is available online.
• Private companies: King County has compiled an online list of companies that will recycle your tree. Call ahead for details.

AND STAYED OUT OF THE LANDFILL, BECAUSE IT'S NOT TRASH

Speaking of trash: Seattle Public Utilities is rescheduling trash, yard waste and recycle collections.

Monday pick-ups will happen Tuesday, and collections for everybody else will be postponed by one day.

If you miss your pick-ups this week, you will be allowed to set out double your normal amount for the next scheduled collection day at no extra charge.

FOLLOW THESE TIPS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, SO BRIGHT. AND DO YOUR PART TO KEEP THE CLIMATE JUST RIGHT.

For more information, search for "holiday recycling" on kingcounty.gov.