What to recycle this holiday season, according to the DEC

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Navigating what can and cannot be recycled can be a last-minute thought during a busy holiday morning. Whether it's wrapping paper, boxes or the materials inside the boxes, local municipalities and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have revealed common holiday items that should be recycled or not, to help lessen the confusion.

The City of Albany Department of General Services states during the holiday season, residents should recycle their boxes and cardboard but throw away any wrapping paper and bows.

"Wrapping paper and Christmas cards containing glitter, tinsel or metallic coatings cannot be placed in the recycling bin. Plain wrapping paper and holiday cards can be recycled," a holiday guide states. "Tissue paper cannot be recycled."

Additionally, the Department of Environmental Conservation suggests these items be placed in the garbage instead of recycled.

• Plastic Mailers
• Foam Packaging
• Plastic Air Pillows and Bubble Wrap

According to the DEC, plastic mailers may contain a layer of bubble wrap inside. These items should be brought to a specific drop-off location that accepts plastic bags, like a grocery or retail store. Bubble wrap and plastic air pillows should be thrown away or taken to a special drop-off location also, as they're considered a "tangler" and could cause mechanical damage in recycling facilities.

Foam packaging should also be thrown away or dropped off at a special location. Many foam containers and packaging materials are banned in New York State, according to the DEC.

Local municipalities and waste companies also have lists of accepted and non-accepted recyclable items. For lists of items based on county, visit Recycle Right NY's website or the DEC's website.