'Tis the season... to drop off any broken or otherwise unwanted holiday lights for free recycling.
Cohen Recycling's holiday light recycling program is back again this year, with numerous drop-off locations in the Greater Cincinnati area. The program first started with Great Parks of Hamilton County nearly a decade ago, and in 2020, expanded into Kentucky, drawing in 26,475 pounds of lights that year. (Indiana residents, don't fear: We've got a drop-off location for you, too. Keep reading...)
What you need to know before you drop off
In Ohio and Kentucky, collection goes through Feb. 1, 2025, during park or business hours. Most Cohen Recycling bins will be under a shelter and there should be signage to direct you.
All kinds of string lights are accepted, including traditional and LED-style bulbs. Regardless of the type of bulb, Cohen can recycle the plastic.
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This is a "string only" event — meaning all other kinds of holiday lights, such as light projectors and lighted inflatables, should instead be dropped off at a Cohen Recycling Center for disposal.
Most important is "to bring them loose," Cohen says. That means don't drop off lights in boxes or bags, as that will only slow down the recycling process. Cohen also asks that you please make sure any batteries are removed.
Where to take your lights
If you can't find a location near you, you can go to any Cohen Recycling location and drop-off unwanted lights.
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If you live in Dearborn County in Indiana, you're able to drop off your lights for recycling year-round. Simply go through the drive-thru at the Dearborn County Recycling Center at 10700 Prospect Lane in Aurora. You can even drop off working lights, which will be given away during the center's reuse events.
Drive-thru hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
