Just like cardboard, there are certain types of paper you shouldn't recycle. For example, the paper towel you used to wipe up spilled milk or gift wrap with a glossy finish. The EPA recommends looking for paper that has already been recycled when you go shopping so you know that the paper can be recycled again.

However, any wrapping paper with embellishments like glitter, velvet or metallic components is likely not recyclable. As in the case of bows, gift bags are always a good choice if you're concerned with waste, as they can be reused over and over.

Guidance on recycling can vary between different communities statewide, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Now that Christmas is past, you might be wondering what to do with those old lights that didn't go on the tree or all those leftover gift bags.