Holiday Waste Reduction

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The holiday season is filled with decorations, parties and presents — that often means a lot more waste.

In fact, the Edmonton Waste Management Centre receives almost twice the amount of waste at the end of December, as compared to the beginning of the month.

What Goes Where During the Holidays

Make sure your holiday waste goes to the right place. Use the WasteWise tool to find what goes where or download the free app for your mobile device.

Type the name of a waste material, and we'll tell you where it goes for recycling, composting or disposal.

Christmas Tree Collection

Wondering what to do with your Christmas tree? Recycle it! Tree collection runs from January 11 to January 31, 2021.

Recycle your Holiday Waste

What can be recycled? What goes to the Eco Station? What goes in the garbage? It's all here.

Holiday Waste Reduction Ideas

Give Waste-friendly Gifts

Give experiences as gifts, like a gift card to a local restaurant or hair salon, a class at a local studio, or attractions passes
Wrap gifts using reusable materials, like a scarf or a gift bag
Buy quality items that can be used again and again
Donate your time and skills as a gift
Make a donation to a local charity
Buy an annual subscription or membership to a streaming service
By shopping local, you can reduce packaging waste

Decorate for Lasting Memories

Pick quality decorations that will last several seasons
Donate unwanted holiday items to a local charity
Follow the Reuse Centre on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest for tips on how to make decorations with reused items
Recycle your natural Christmas tree

Plan your Festive Feasts

Plan to store and use your holiday leftovers
Donate unopened treats to local charities
Check your cupboards and plan your meals before grocery shopping so you don’t buy doubles
Adjust recipes to suit the size of the smaller group you will be celebrating with

Recycle Right During the Holidays

Take old, unwanted electronics to an Eco Station - never put anything with a cord or battery in your blue bag
Wrapping paper (non-foil) and cardboard can go in your blue bag
Styrofoam packaging should go in the garbage

Waste Reduction Updates

Reuse

Give stuff a second life. Residents are encouraged to reuse household items and reduce waste.

Recycling Depots

Edmonton's 20 community Recycling Depots are a convenient way to dispose of recyclables from your home.

Eco Stations

Items such as broken Christmas lights, electronics and anything with a cord or battery should be taken to an Eco Station.

For More Information

Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Email	wasteman@edmonton.ca