PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Remember, Santa knows if you have been bad or good and throwing away trash, that’s easy but recycling has rules.
The city of Phoenix’s Public Works Department has some do's and don'ts of how to recycle and what to recycle that may help you during the holidays and throughout the year.
Do's:
- Use regular and glossy wrapping paper - those are recyclable
- For Amazon, recycle the boxes - break down the boxes
Don'ts:
- Don't assume all wrapping paper is recyclable - Anything with non-paper additives like glitter, foil, plastics, or heavily laminate.
- Don't recycle bows or ribbons.
- Don't recycle foam packages, cellophane, or bubble wrap.
- Lights and tinsel should be thrown away, not recycled.
During the holidays, American compile 25 percent more waste—if your recycle bin is overflowing or you don’t have a blue bin at your home, there are several eco-stations across town where you can take your recyclable items at any time.
"Recycling Guidelines: Remember, all materials must be emptied of liquids and free of food scraps and grease before tossing them in the container. Plastic bags are not accepted in recycle container. Materials must also be placed in the container loosely, and not bagged," according to the city of Phoenix Public Work's website.
The city of Phoenix has a recycle right search tool. On their website just type in the thing you have a question about like “ribbons and bows” and it will tell you recycle or landfill. It also gives you tips depending on where in the Valley you live. For more information, visit their website here.