Following the holiday celebrations, waste centers across the Badger state see more trash.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates from Thanksgiving to New Year, 25 percent more trash is produced.
The Portage County Waste Department sees this first hand and they are reminding residents how to properly dispose of their waste.
"Clear packaging from around your toys or your newest presents and gadgets," Amanda Haffele, Director of the Portage County Solid Waste said. "Or just extra cakes cookies (and) pies are unfortunately not recyclable here in central Wisconsin."
A good rule of thumb to follow is 'reduce reuse recycle,' but not everything that is labeled recyclable is.
"Even if it has the recycling symbol, the recycling symbol doesn't mean anything," Haffele said. "The symbol is not trademarked."
Holiday lights are a fan favorite, but they can not be recycled. The lights cause log jams at the recycling center by getting wrapped in the gears. Area organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill do accept holiday lights as donations.
