We are in the season of giving, which also means figuring out how to handle all the extra recycling from the gifts.

Over the next few days, we will share some recycling tips on how you should handle the excess of things that accumulate during the holidays.

Previous holiday recycling tips:

• Do not put clothes in the green recycling cart
• Flatten and bundle the cardboard that does not fit into the recycling cart
• Recycle televisions at the Streets Division drop-off sites
• Recycle household batteries at the Streets Division drop-off sites
• Most wrapping paper can be recycled, but not foil, ribbons, straps, and bows.

How to Get a Larger Recycling Cart
If your recycling cart is full to bursting with cardboard and other recyclables spilling from the body of the cart, one easy solution is to get a larger collection cart.

Cart upgrades come at no additional cost, and swapping out the carts is easy.

First, obtain the serial number from the front of the collection cart. These are the large white numbers of the front of the cart.

Second, contact the Streets Division either by calling the office that services your home, or using the report-a-problem system on the City’s website. On the report-a-problem website, you will want to select the option for “Exchange A Cart For A Different Size.” Be ready to supply the serial number of your current collection cart when prompted. Streets Division staff will then help make arrangements for the cart exchange.

If you already have the largest size recycling cart, and you still need extra space for the recyclables you generate, consider purchasing an additional cart. Extra recycling carts are available for a one-time fee based on the size of the cart you would like to purchase. An additional medium-sized 65-gallon collection carts costs $60 and the largest 95-gallon collection cart costs $65. Cart purchases can be arranged by contacting the Streets Division or using the report-a-problem system.

Additional information about collection carts, recycling, and other Streets Division services can be found on the Streets Division website, or in the Recyclopedia, or by contacting our offices. Residents east of S. Park Street can call 608-246-4532 and residents west of S. Park Street can call 608-266-4681.