WISCONSIN — Even with smaller holiday gatherings in sight, most of us will probably find that the amount of holiday waste we accumulate doesn't change.
It could actually increase, if you're relying on shipping to deliver goodies to your friends and family or vice versa.
But before you head to the trash can with just anything, make sure you're disposing of it properly.
Click here for a complete list of holiday items that are not recyclable.
Some include:
- Tissue paper
- Styrofoam
- Bows
- Ribbons
- Christmas lights
- Wrapping paper/cards containing glitter, foil or metallic elements
- Plastic bags
- Gift bags
- Bubble wrap
- Christmas trees
- Contaminated boxes (ie: pizza boxes)
- Toys
But just because you see an item on that list doesn't mean you have to toss it.
A lot of holiday gifting supplies are totally reusable, which will save you a lot of money next year. If tissue paper, ribbons, or gift bags look like you just picked them up from the store, feel free to hold on to them.
Things like paper cards, envelopes, simple wrapping paper, wrapping paper tubes, and gift boxes are all fair game to be recycled.
But don't toss an old string of Christmas lights or plastic film materials in that bin. Those are all likely to jam up the recycling system. Check out a return deposit option instead.