December 1 – January 31
It’s that time of year! Reduce Waste Chicago’s annual Holiday Lights Recycling campaign is back — and bigger than ever!
Last year, we collected 4,227 pounds of lights from 45 drop-off locations across 26 wards, bringing our five-year total to 14,801 pounds of lights diverted from the landfill.
This year, in collaboration with our amazing logistics partner, WasteNot Compost, we’re continuing toward our goal of serving all 50 of Chicago’s wards and making it easier for every Chicagoan to recycle broken string lights responsibly.
Become a drop-off location!
Whether your location is open to the public or private, we’ll set you up with what you need to help your community keep string lights out of the landfill. When your cart is full, simply reach out and we’ll swap it out.
Sponsor our campaign
Your support enables Chicagoans to make a tangible local environmental impact. If you want to reach residents across the city or just in your neighborhood, our sponsorship levels are designed to meet your needs. Request sponsorship information below and we’ll send you the list of opportunities and benefits.
Got lights?
Whether you hang them for Halloween or other holidays, here are some important notes before you drop them off:
✅ String lights only!
✅ Try replacing bulbs and fuses first. All light sets come with extras.
🚫 No decor
🚫 No garland or wreaths
🚫 No plastic bags
🚫 No packaging
Where to drop off your broken holiday lights
Keep an eye on the space below. We’ll be adding a map with a list of locations and drop-off hours in early November.
Are you a WasteNot Compost customer?
WasteNot Compost is partnering with us to offer broken holiday lights pickup in their WasteNot member shop! Add “String Light Collection” to your cart, follow the directions and WasteNot will collect the lights along with your compost.
List of drop-off locations
Please allow a moment for the list to load.
Thank you to our 2026-27 sponsors!
Interested in helping us expand our Holiday Lights Collection program to all 50 wards?
Fill out this quick form to receive information about becoming a sponsor.
Scenes from past Holiday Lights Collections
