Did you burn out one too many bulbs on your strings of holiday lights this year? A local environmental organization is offering residents a way to safely recycle any such unwanted decorations. 

St. Louis Green said last year they collected 64,000 pounds of unwanted holiday lights, which were then recycled and sent back to manufacturers to be used in new products.

The holiday light recycling drive divert thousands of pounds of waste from landfills, but it also helps feed the hungry. A portion of proceeds from the drive is donated to Operation Food Search, helping those less fortunate to have a happier holiday season.

Already, this year's drive has been record breaking. The organization said they have already collected 128,000 pounds of lights! They are also planning to expand the program into into Kansas City (see the KC Holiday Light Recycling Page here), and across state lines into Illinois. 

Here's where you can drop off lights in West St. Louis County:

• Chesterfield: Batteries Plus, 17406 Chesterfield Airport Road
• Ballwin: Batteries Plus, 14783 Manchester Road
• Town and Country: Whole Foods Market, 1160 Town and Country Crossing Drive
• Wildwood:  across from new Wildwood City Hall under construction, 16860 Main Street