Sarnia residents are learning this week that Christmas wrapping paper and gift bags are not acceptable blue box items.
Several homeowners called the city to complain after the items were left behind during recycling pickup.
Sarnia's manager of Operation Services, Bryan Prouse, said the paper is being refused because of the products and contamination the paper introduces to the product that Emterra produces and tries to sell to overseas markets.
He said the materials that go into making gift wrap, often lead to the paper not being accepted at paper mills.
"Our wrapping paper products are being more and more decorative," said Prouse. "The glitter, the tape, the bubble wrap, bows and ribbons all lead to contamination of the recycled product, thus the need to refuse them at the curb."
For a full list of what can and can't be recycled visit the city's website.
The City of Sarnia is also reminding residents that tree pick up and brush collection will be done the week of January 14