Waste disposal during the holidays

Wrapping paper

Wrapping paper belongs in the waste paper garbage can (blue). An exception is coated paper such as glacé, lacquer or chromo paper, which belongs in the residual waste (black). You can recognize this by the fact that a thin plastic film becomes visible when it is torn.
Environmentally friendly tip: keep and reuse wrapping paper or use alternatives such as newspapers, fabrics or tea towels.

Christmas tree baubles

Broken Christmas tree baubles should not be put in the bottle bank, but in the residual waste garbage can (black). This also applies to decorations made of glass and plastic. Discarded Christmas decorations can be handed in to Tauschhaus 2.0 in a usable condition and thus bring joy to others.

Tinsel

Tinsel can be used several times. If it is to be disposed of, the following applies: plastic and aluminum tinsel must be disposed of in the residual waste (black), while tinsel containing lead must be disposed of as hazardous waste. You can recognize tinsel containing lead by its heavier weight. It is best to avoid tinsel and use other decoration alternatives.

Fairy lights

Broken fairy lights are considered electronic waste and can be disposed of in Jena at recycling centers or larger electrical retailers. There are also over 150 depot containers available for local disposal. You can find these on the city of Jena's map portal.
Energy-saving tip: LED fairy lights consume significantly less electricity and last longer.

Christmas trees

Christmas trees should be completely stripped and shortened to a length of 1.5 m before they are disposed of. The collection of stripped trees takes place from 12 to 16.01.2026. Please ensure that traffic is not obstructed. These can also be deposited at the recycling centers. Decorated trees are composted and reused.

Advent wreaths

Advent wreaths belong in the residual waste (black) because of the wire, polystyrene and other materials. Clean fir branches can be disposed of separately from candle remains in the organic waste garbage can (brown).

Christmas cards with music

Musical Christmas cards contain batteries, which must be disposed of separately. Batteries should not be disposed of with household waste, but can be handed in at a recycling center or retailer.

Fireworks

Burnt fireworks should be disposed of in the residual waste (black) after they have cooled down completely. Dispose of plastic packaging in the yellow garbage can and cardboard packaging in waste paper (blue). Chemical residues in the spent fireworks make careful disposal essential in order to protect the soil and water.

Candle residues

Small wax residues can be disposed of in residual waste, larger quantities can be taken to candle recycling centers.

Packaging materials

Plastic packaging film, polystyrene and packaging chips belong in the yellow garbage can.

Old electrical appliances

Non-functional appliances should be disposed of via recycling centers, retailers or the 150 depot containers; they contain valuable raw materials and harmful substances.

Leftovers and organic waste

Leftovers from festive meals belong in the organic waste garbage can or compost.

We wish you happy holidays!

Kommunalservice Jena would like to thank you for your help in disposing of waste in an environmentally friendly manner and wishes all citizens happy holidays and a good start to the New Year.

Do you have any questions? - We will be happy to help you!

Municipal Service Jena
Löbstedter Street 56
07749 Jena

Tel. 03641 4989 - 500
E-mail: ksj@jena.de
Website: ksj.jena.de/abfallentsorgung