1. Paper party hats
Those little cone-shaped paper hats seem like a must when you’re setting up the party table. But let’s be honest: most guests wear them for a quick photo and then ditch them immediately. They often rip, slide off, or just sit untouched next to someone’s plate. By the end of the night, they’re crumpled up in the trash, stained with food or drinks.
They may look festive in the store, but they rarely survive past the first hour of a gathering. Plus, they’re made of thin paper and elastic that can’t easily be recycled once used. The idea of everyone in matching hats is fun in theory, but reality usually looks different. If you want a more sustainable option, consider reusable fabric party hats or themed headbands.
2. Single-use plastic cutlery
Grabbing a big pack of plastic forks, knives, and spoons feels convenient when you’re hosting. But once guests pile their plates high with finger foods or bring their own reusable utensils, those plastics stay in the box. If they do get used, they snap easily and aren’t great at cutting anything sturdier than cake. Afterward, the cleanup often means dumping a trash bag full of plastic into the bin.
Many areas don’t accept these plastics for recycling because they’re too small or too contaminated. It’s easy to overestimate how much you need, so lots stay unopened. Others get thrown out simply because washing them seems like too much work. Compostable or wooden options might be a better bet if you want to avoid the waste.
3. Plastic straws
We’ve all seen them: the pack of 200 colorful plastic straws that ends up barely touched. Most guests either skip the straw or grab one and forget about it after a sip or two. At the end of the night, you’re left tossing dozens of unused straws into the trash. With growing awareness about plastic waste, it’s no wonder straws often go unused.
It might feel like a fun touch, but these straws usually don’t add much to the party vibe. Many cities have already banned or discouraged single-use straws because they contribute to environmental pollution. Hosts could switch to paper or reusable options, but plastic ones still get bought out of habit. Sadly, most end up in the landfill without ever serving their purpose.
4. Balloons
They look festive and add color to any party, but balloons rarely last beyond the event. Whether they pop, deflate, or just get forgotten, they almost always end up in the trash. Worse, they can’t be recycled and can harm wildlife if they escape into the environment. That big bag of helium balloons? Gone by morning.
People love how they look, but they’re one of the most wasteful decorations around. Latex balloons, even when labeled biodegradable, can take years to break down. Mylar balloons are even worse, ending up in landfills or power lines. If you want color, fabric bunting or paper lanterns can be reused again and again.
5. Paper napkins with themed prints
Those napkins with the fun slogans or characters are tempting in the party aisle. But guests either don’t notice the design, use them once, or grab a plain paper towel instead. They’re often left scattered around, half-used, and covered in crumbs or drink spills. By the end, you’re throwing out piles of barely-used, printed paper.
The inks and dyes on these napkins mean they can’t be composted in many places. And they often come in packs far bigger than you need, so the extras gather dust or get tossed later. If you really want themed napkins, try to find compostable ones without heavy dyes. Or better yet, stick to simple cloth napkins you can wash and reuse.
6. Cheap plastic tablecloths
Plastic tablecloths seem like an easy way to protect your surfaces and add some color. But after one meal, they’re usually stained, torn, or sticky with spilled drinks. Most can’t be cleaned well enough to reuse, so they get bundled up and thrown away. They’re not recyclable, so they just add to landfill waste.
It’s a classic case of convenience over sustainability. A cloth tablecloth, while slightly more effort to wash, can last for years and look much nicer. Plus, it doesn’t crinkle up or slide off the table mid-party. Hosts often regret grabbing the plastic option once they see the cleanup required.
7. Plastic cups
Those red or clear plastic cups are a staple at many parties, but they’re rarely finished before they’re abandoned. Guests set them down, forget which one’s theirs, and grab a fresh one. Before you know it, there are 50 half-full cups on every surface. At cleanup time, they all end up in the trash, contents and all.
They’re technically recyclable in some areas, but party cups are often too dirty to make it into the recycling stream. And many recycling centers won’t accept them at all because of the type of plastic. A better option might be compostable cups or even renting glassware. That way, you don’t end up tossing dozens of cups at the end of the night.
8. Paper banners and streamers
They look festive draped around the room, but paper banners and streamers rarely survive more than one party. They rip easily, get stained by food or drink splashes, or sag by the end of the night. Afterward, they’re too tattered to save and get tossed in the trash. And many are made with coatings or glitters that make them hard to recycle.
It feels like a small touch that’ll make a big impact, but they often go unnoticed. Guests are usually focused on the food and conversation, not what’s hanging overhead. If you want decorations you can keep, fabric garlands or felt banners are a smarter choice. They pack up easily and can be used again without looking worn.
9. Party favor bags filled with plastic trinkets
Hosts love the idea of sending guests home with a little something. But those tiny plastic yo-yos, whistles, and figurines often get tossed before people even leave the party. They break easily, don’t hold interest for long, and end up as clutter. Most of the time, they go straight to the trash after a few minutes of use.
It’s a waste of money and resources, even if it feels like a fun tradition. Guests, especially adults, don’t usually expect or want party favors like these. And kids often lose or break the toys right away. If you want to offer something, consider edible treats or small plants that won’t go to waste.
10. Confetti and glitter
These tiny decorations seem fun when you’re planning the party. But once they’re scattered around, they’re almost impossible to clean up. Most end up in the trash, stuck to plates, clothes, or the floor. And because they’re often made of plastic, they’re bad for the environment.
Even the biodegradable versions can take a while to break down and still make a mess. Guests may admire the sparkle for a second, but they won’t love it when it sticks to their shoes. You’ll spend more time cleaning than enjoying the effect. Consider large paper shapes or fabric petals for a similar look with less waste.
11. Novelty ice cube trays
It sounds fun: ice shaped like stars, hearts, or tiny animals. But the truth is, most guests don’t notice or care what shape their ice is. The novelty trays often take up too much freezer space and produce too little ice for the size of the party. At cleanup, the trays usually get forgotten, broken, or tossed.
It’s one of those purchases that feels like a good idea at the store, but rarely pays off. Plus, they’re often made of flimsy plastic that doesn’t hold up over time. If you want to impress with drinks, garnishes or colored ice cubes are more noticeable. Or skip the extra plastic altogether and focus on great beverages.
12. Plastic serving platters
Grabbing a stack of plastic platters feels smart when you’re prepping for lots of food. But they tend to bend under weight, look cheap, and crack easily. After one use, they’re stained and sticky and not worth saving. Into the trash they go, along with the party leftovers.
Most plastic platters can’t be recycled, especially after contact with greasy or saucy foods. A reusable tray or wooden board would last longer and look nicer. You’ll spend about the same over time without the waste. And your spread will look more polished to boot.
13. Fake floral centerpieces
Plastic or foam flowers seem like a low-maintenance way to decorate the table. But they rarely match the vibe you’re going for and often look dusty or cheap after a single use. After the party, they tend to get stuffed in a closet or thrown away. They can’t be composted and just add to plastic waste.
Guests usually appreciate fresh flowers or even a bowl of fruit more. Those options can either be eaten or composted, leaving less behind. Plus, fresh or natural decor gives the table a more inviting look. Fake flowers, while convenient, rarely earn their keep.
This post 13 Things Hosts Buy for Parties That End Up in the Trash was first published on Greenhouse Black.
