What to do when your holiday lights quit on you

When you dig out your holiday decorations, it seems like there’s always at least one light strand that doesn’t work. Or maybe they work but you just don’t want them anymore. Either way, there are better options than just tossing them in the trash: repair, reuse and recycling. 

Common problems include burnt-out fuses, corrosion, missing bulbs, and damaged or missing wire. For repair at home, go online and search “How to fix holiday lights.”

You can also give unwanted working lights to friends, family or neighbors, or make them available on Nextdoor or Kansas City Freecycle. Or donate working lights to most thrift stores. Always call first. 

If you’ve exhausted your repair and reuse options, there are multiple locations in the metro area where you can recycle your lights for free. You can find the nearest drop-off location at RecycleSpot. Any type of holiday decoration with embedded lights, such as artificial trees, garland and yard decorations, are not accepted. Holiday lights and decor are also not accepted in your curbside recycling bin.  

You can't put holiday lights in your curbside recycling bin because Material Recovery Facilities — where all our curbside recyclables end up — are not set up to process electronic waste.