Contact: Jordan Gilgenbach, Communications Intern
Phone 952-833-9522 • Fax 952-826-0390 • Web www.CityofEdina.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
‘Recycle Your Holidays' Kicks Off Another Year
Edina, Minn., Dec. 21, 2010 - The City of Edina is working with the Recycling Association of
Minnesota (RAM) on the second-annual holiday lights recycling program, "Recycle Your
Holidays."
RAM, in partnership with WCCO TV, Xcel Energy and Ace Hardware, began the holiday lights
recycling effort in 2009. According to RAM's website, www.RecycleMinnesota.org, last year's
goal to recycle 50,000 pounds of holiday lights was more than doubled.
"Last year, 100,000 pounds of holiday lights were recycled through the holiday light recycling
program. This year, the goal is 200,000," said Solvei Wilmot, City of Edina Recycling
Coordinator. "Add to the pounds and benefit the environment by recycling your holiday lights."
Minnesotans are encouraged to replace their old lights with energy-efficient LED lights and
recycle the old strands. Switching to LED lights will not only save energy, but also save
consumers money on home energy costs. To sweeten the deal, many utility companies and
hardware stores offer rebates on LED lights.
Recycle Your Holidays recycles every part of a light string. Everything from light bulbs to copper
is recycled. According to RAM, creating new copper is very energy intensive. Recycling copper
takes about 10 percent of the energy it would take to create new copper.
Edina Residents can drop off holiday light strings until Jan. 1 at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St.,
or Concord Elementary School, 5900 Concord Ave. Strings may also be mailed directly to RAM
at P.O. Box 14497, St. Paul, MN 55114.
For more information about RAM or the "Recycle Your Holidays 2010-2011" program, visit
www.RecycleMinnesota.org. To learn more about Edina's recycling programs, contact Wilmot,
952-826-0463.
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