In partnership with Barnstable County’s Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and AmeriCorps Cape Cod, Yarmouth residents can recycle their unwanted holiday lights for FREE at the transfer station during regular operating hours. A receptacle for this purpose is located adjacent to the exit side of the attendant's shed.

“This is one of the easiest things people can do to cut down on holiday waste,” said Kari Parcell, Municipal Assistance Coordinator with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension. “A single broken bulb often leads people to toss the whole strand. Recycling keeps those materials out of our landfills and protects Cape Cod’s environment.”

How to Participate

Bring your old or damaged holiday lights to the transfer station any time between now and January 31, 2026. Look for the Holiday Lights Recycling collection bin and drop them off.

Accepted Items include:
• Rope lights
• Garland lights
• C7 and C9 bulbs
• Mini lights
• LED holiday lights

Items not accepted include lights attached to artificial trees and lighted decorations such as stars, angels or other figures.

What Happens to the Lights

Many people ask what actually happens to the lights after they are collected. The lights are sent to a recycling vendor that separates the plastic and metal components. The plastic is removed and the metal inside is recovered and melted down so it can be used again. Recycling holiday lights keeps reusable materials out of the landfill and supports Cape Cod’s waste diversion and sustainability goals.

Why This Matters for Cape Cod

Recycling holiday lights helps protect our natural resources, supports local waste reduction efforts and offers residents a simple way to make a positive environmental impact during the holiday season. This free regional program is one example of how Yarmouth, Barnstable County and its partners work year-round to reduce waste and strengthen sustainability across the Cape. More information can be found at www.capecod.gov/holidaylights.