WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – The holiday is always the busiest time of year for the dump and recycling centers.
Wrapping paper and other packaging can be recycled.
“Wrapping paper that is simply terrible paper, with no glitter or foil or other adornments can generally be recycled – compared to foil wrap that can’t be torn, said Jennifer Semrau, the DNR Waste Reduction and Diversion Coordinator.
And despite what you’re likely inclined to do, they suggest not crumpling wrapping paper into a ball. Instead press it flat whenever possible.
Also think twice before tossing out that gift bag. “The best option of course is to save your gift bag and reuse it next year. But if that’s not an option, if you have plain paper bags – those can be recycled, just be sure to remove any ribbons or strapping, and remove any tissue paper.”
With gifts comes guests, and that means more food waste. In 2020, nearly one-fifth of Wisconsin landfills were made up of food waste. “The vast majority of that, 70% is food that was previously edible, not scraps or peels like you might expect,” said Casey Lamensky, the DNR Solid Waste Coordinator. “In total u-s food waste generates the CO2 emissions of running 22 coal power plants annually.”
