NEW ULM, Minn. (AP) — The City of New Ulm is helping residents dispose of one of the most under-recycled holiday products — Christmas lights.

The city is one of several participating in the Recycling Association of Minnesota’s holiday recycling drive.

Last year the association collected more than 100,000 pounds of holiday string lights. Its goal is to collect twice as much this year.

The Journal of New Ulm says nearly every component of a light string can be recycled. The most important component is the copper wiring.

William Swanson is with New Ulm Public Utilities. He says it takes a lot more energy to process raw copper than it does to reuse it in its already-processed state.

In addition to dropping off holiday lights, residents can also bring in electric cords and telephone cords.

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