Here's how to recycle wrapping paper, other Christmas decorations

Now that presents have been passed out, dinner eaten and time with family and friends spent, Christmas is officially over. 

But what are you going to do with all those cardboard boxes that came in from your Amazon deliveries? Or the wrapping paper and bows that were ripped off of the gifts in a matter of seconds? 

Recycle them. 

While most cardboard is easily ready to be recycled, other items such as wrapping paper, bows and ribbons are not, depending on the type of material they are made out of and whether they have anything attached to the paper. 

According to website Recycle Now, here's a guide on how to recycle common Christmas items and decorations: 

Wrapping paper 

According to Zero Waste DC, plain or glossy wrapping paper is OK to be recycled. However, metallic or wax-coated paper, as well as tissue paper, are not. Gift wrapping paper is often laminated and dyed, with non-paper materials such as glitter and plastic added to them, making it non-recyclable. Paper that cannot be sent to the recycling bin can be reused or tossed in the trash. 

As alternatives to wrapping paper,try craft paper or leftover fabrics. 

Bows 

While bows are a nice touch to add to a wrapped gift, the item is not recyclable. The plastic-paper composite makes it hard to recycle, as well as the glue that gives bows their stickiness. However, bows can be reused, with tape being a good alternative if the adhesive wears off. 

Ribbons 

Like bows, ribbons are not recyclable, but still reusable. Higher-quality material, such as satin, velvet or grosgrain ribbons will not only look nice on gifts, but will last for future uses. 

Christmas cards 

Cards that are paper-based can easily be recycled, as well as the envelopes. However, cards with enhancements like glitter and metallic embossing have to go in the garbage, or at least torn off so that the paper portion can be recycled. Cards with batteries should be disposed and recycled. 

Christmas trees 

Natural Christmas trees can be sent to a recycling center, as many places can put them through a wood chipper to be turned into compost and mulch. Home Depot offers a program where undecorated trees can be turned into mulch and is available free of charge for anyone who wants some. The trunk and branches could also be reused for an outdoor fire pit or bonfire. 

Artificial trees, however, are non-recyclable. 

Cardboard 

While sites like Amazon are making it easier for shoppers to buy everything they need online, the number of people recycling cardboard has dropped. In 2017, 300,000 fewer tons of corrugated containers were recycled in the US, reported the American Forest & Paper Association. 

Robert Reed, a spokesman for Recology, a San Francisco-based recycling company, told USA Today that cardboard is easy to reprocess and every ton of it that's reclaimed saves 17 trees. Before placing boxes in the bin, make sure they are empty and flattened. Using a razor knife should make cutting up the cardboard easy. 

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