PORTLAND, Ore. -- 'Tis the season for trash. We're talking about all that wrapping paper and plastic packaging you get along with all those gifts.
Specialists at Metro's Recycling Information Center are already getting lots of calls about what can and cannot be recycled.
For example, all the shiny foil or glittery wrapping paper, gift bags and ribbons cannot be recycled.
They recommend using the non-coated kind that can be recycled. Or, better yet, choose some holiday themed dish towels or anything re-usable to wrap gifts in.
"About half the paper that we use each year goes to decorating and wrapping," said Jen Coleman with the Oregon Environmental Council. "The very best thing we can do is to reduce waste by not buying it in the first place."
As for all that plastic packaging?
"A lot of stuff will come with a plastic wrapper around it," said Kim Waxler with Metro. "We don't want those items to wind up in your recycling bin."
Metro says you cannot put styrofoam in your blue recycling bin either. But that doesn't mean you can't recycle it. A company called Agilyx in Tigard will take several types of styrofoam. It even has a drop-box open 24-7 to collect it.
If you have any questions about what or where you can recycle this holiday season, Metro has a recycling hotline you can call, or you can visit their website.