Potpourri: How to Recycle and Compost Holiday Gift Wrapping, Lights, and Decorations; History Museum New Exhibit on Japanese Americans; Chamber’s New Entrepreneur Meet Up!

Kitsap County Holiday Recycle Guide. Holiday times can create a lot of waste. More packages arrive on doorsteps. Wrapping paper, bows and ribbons are left behind from gifts. Lights, decorations and wreaths wear out or break. Many are left wondering, “What do I do with it?” Discover how to recycle and dispose of your holiday waste by checking out the Kitsap County Holiday Recycle and Compost Guide for what belongs in your curbside recycling and food and yard waste carts.

In addition, you can get your Christmas tree easily composted by making a curbside pick-up reservation with Scout Troops 1564 & 1801 by January 10. Your donation makes this a really big fundraiser for the troops, who will take your defrocked tree to Tilz for composting.

If you have light strings with old, energy hogging incandescent bulbs, bring them to Bainbridge Island Ace Hardware by January 19. The copper in the wires will be recycled, as all metal is infinitely recyclable. But keep these tanglers out of your curbside recycling bin! Tanglers like plastic bags, hangers, hoses, and textiles jam up the equipment at recycling sorting facilities, causing periodic breakdowns.

Bainbridge History Museum Exhibit Opening

Inspired by history, specifically Executive Order 9066 – Racism, Endurance, Heroism,  artist Chris Demarest presents a visual interpretation of life in World War II for Japanese Americans at home and on the front lines. Celebrate the opening of Bainbridge History Museum’s newest exhibit!

Thursday, January 8: 5:00 – 7:00

The work will be on display from January–April 2026. Artist Chris Demarest will be joining BHM for the opening evening. Guests are invited to a meet-and-greet as he shares his inspiration, background, and the stories behind his work. Demarest’s artwork was influenced by stories his mother shared about the sudden removal of her Japanese American neighbors in Los Angeles. Demarest has spent years exploring this history through art.

History Huddle: Bainbridge History Museum Thursday, January 22

Join the Bainbridge History Museum for a lively, interactive exploration of our community’s past. This special event invites visitors to discover hidden stories, surprising artifacts, and little-known facts about Bainbridge Island. Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the island, come test your knowledge, learn something new, and see the museum in a whole new light! With speaker Lindsay Ogles, Director of Exhibits and Engagement.

This program is free with snacks and libations provided. Thursday Jan. 22, 5-6:30 p.m. Space is limited so RSVP today!

Click for more Bainbridge Island community happenings.

Chamber Entrepreneur Meetup In January

Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and learn from experienced business owners at the Bainbridge Island Chamber’s new quarterly entrepreneur meet up series.

The Chamber is partnering with Matchstick Labs and Sisters’ Cider House in 2026 to help entrepreneurs connect with resources and each other. Bring your questions, bounce your ideas. Because we’re better together! The first session will be held Wednesday Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. at Sisters Cider House. 

Email Rachel for more information

Source Materials: Chamber of Commerce, Bainbridge History Museum, Sustainable Bainbridge.

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