Thanksgiving is one of those days that fills your heart and your plate… and then your garbage can. Between turkey bones, pie pans, and mountains of cardboard from grocery runs, it’s easy to feel buried in the aftermath. That’s where these Thanksgiving waste tips and tricks come in handy. A little planning and smart cleanup can make your holiday smoother and greener.
1. Plan your portions
It’s easy to overcook for Thanksgiving, but too much food often ends up in the trash. Use a simple portion calculator or plan meals around what your family actually eats. Love leftovers? Store them in reusable containers and send some home with guests. Compost the rest if you can.
2. Know what’s recyclable
Don’t toss everything into one bin. Clean aluminum foil, cardboard, and bottles belong in recycling. Food scraps, greasy pans, and dirty paper plates? That’s trash. Sorting may take a minute, but it saves space and helps your pickup go smoother.
3. Compost your kitchen scraps
Potato peels, vegetable ends, coffee grounds, and eggshells can all go into the compost. It’s a small step that keeps food waste out of the landfill and gives your garden some love for spring.
4. Use real dishes when you can
Paper plates are tempting when you’re exhausted from cooking, but even using real dishes for the main meal can make a difference. It cuts down waste and makes dinner feel more special.
5. Handle cooking oil safely
If you’re deep-frying a turkey this year, don’t pour the leftover oil down the drain. It can clog your pipes and create serious plumbing headaches. Let the oil cool completely, then pour it into a sealed container and throw it in the trash, or check for local oil recycling options. A little care now can save a lot of cleanup later.
6. Plan ahead for pickup
If your bins are stuffed after the big meal, schedule an extra pickup or add an extra tote. It’s one of those small things that makes post-Thanksgiving life much easier.
At Sweetman Sanitation, we know the holidays are about family, not fighting with overflowing trash cans. Follow these Thanksgiving waste tips and tricks and let us handle the messy part. We can’t help you cook the turkey, but we can make sure the aftermath disappears faster than your aunt’s pumpkin pie.
Sweetman Sanitation — cleaning up after family feasts, one bin at a time.