Christmas cards are on display and presents are wrapped under the tree. But soon, the Christmas holiday will be over and we will be left with a pile of crinkled wrapping paper and empty toy boxes.

Did you know that there is a 25% increase in garbage during the holiday season? That's about one million extra tons of garbage each week!

So the question is, what should we do with all of it?

Millennium Recycling provided a great resource on what is trash and what can go into the recycle bin. Here is what they have to say about common holiday garbage:

Christmas Cards: Paper cards that are strictly paper can be recycled. But cards must be free of foil and glitter and must NOT be photo paper. Same rule applies to the envelope, paper only and glitter and foil free!

Wrapping Paper: “If it rips, recycle it!”– If the wrapping paper easily rips, it’s probably just paper and can be recycled. But if it glittery, foil or metallic then it CAN NOT.

Tissue Paper: Plain tissue paper can be recycled, but if it has any extra embellishments like glitter then it's a no.

Boxes: Cardboard boxes & packing paper are recyclable (labels & tape are OK). Remove any strings or bows, bubble wrap, plastic pillows and styrofoam.

Gift Bags: If they are plain paper bags they can be recycled, but did you know you are suppose to remove the string handles before putting them in the recycle bin?

For more common holiday items such as Christmas decor, ribbon and bows, utensils and paper products you can click the link below for the full guide from Millennium Recycling:
https://www.millenniumrecycling.com/singlestream/holiday-waste-guide/