After months of preparing for Christmas, the days following can leave excess amount of trash and often it can be hard to tell what can be recycled and what needs to go in the trash. 

And what is to be done with the Christmas tree? 

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Americans throw away roughly 25% more trash during the holiday period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day than any other time of year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. 

There are lots of ways residents can help reduce waste after the holidays. Here's a list of recycling recommendations: 

For those who have curbside recycling Christmas trees can be placed on the curb or in Lexington in the yard waste cart for collection during normal collection days. The tree must be clean of any decorations, including lights and tinsel. 

There are also recycling centers in the area that take yard waste, including Christmas trees.  

Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Burning the tree may contribute to creosote buildup and could cause a chimney fire. 

Most wrapping paper is not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage. Christmas lights, ribbons, bows, tinsel, plastic bags and batteries should also be left out of the recycling bin. 

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Gift bags are often glossy if they are made from a paper-plastic mix. This type of material can't be recycled because the paper and plastic can't be separated. Plain paper bags can be put in the recycling bin, but not bags made with plastic, foil, or fabric. It is recommended to reuse gift bags. 

Plain paper, card, envelopes, gift boxes and wrapping paper rolls can be recycled, as long as it is clean and dry. With the popularity of online shopping, the number of corrugated cardboard boxes has increased. 

Cardboard is mostly accepted in curbside recycling if it is broken down, but the City of Lexington has also added away-from-home recycling containers for glass and cardboard. 

Here is an additional list of items that should not be recycled:

General news reporter Sharon Myers can be reached at sharon.myers@the-dispatch.com. Follow her on Twitter @LexDispatchSM.