Make it a green Christmas – recycle gift wrap, electronics and trees

Calgary – Make it a green Christmas this holiday season by recycling your real Christmas tree, wrapping paper and electronics.

Electronics
A new television, computer or other gadget is a common gift item during the holiday season. But that means there are plenty of old devices that Calgarians need to get rid of.

“Old electronics can be recycled instead of thrown away,” says Darcy Cairns, superintendent of programs for Waste & Recycling Services.  “There are 29 electronics recycling depots throughout the city that accept electronic equipment at no charge.”

View a full list at whatgoeswhere.ca.

Gift Wrapping
With all the presents comes lots of gift wrapping that can be recycled as well.

“Most gift wrapping can be recycled in your blue cart or at a community recycling depot,” says Cairns. “Crumple up your wrapping paper together in a ball and put it loose into your blue cart.”

You can also recycle Christmas cards, tissue paper, gift bags and cardboard boxes by placing them loose in the cart. Ribbons, bows, and gift bag handles should be removed and reused or thrown away.

Christmas Trees
Turn your real Christmas tree into useful mulch instead of garbage through the annual Christmas Tree Recycling program.

“Last year we kept approximately 35,000 trees out of the landfill,” says Cairns. “It’s easy to participate – we collect trees from homes and there are also eight drop-off locations to bring your trees to. The great thing is that the trees are turned into mulch that residents can use for gardening and landscaping afterwards.”

The mulch is available to residents at no cost at the East Calgary landfill, while supplies last.

Real Christmas trees will be picked up from homes that receive residential black cart garbage collection. To participate, place your tree on the ground near your black cart collection spot by 7 a.m. on Friday, January 9. Make sure the tree is not blocking the street, lane or sidewalk and is at least a foot (30 centimetres) away from your carts. Leave the tree out and it will be picked up within three weeks.

Eight tree drop-off locations will also be open from December 26 to January 31.
Bowness Fire Station #15 - 6328 35 Avenue NW

• Prairie Winds Park - 223 Castleridge Blvd NE
• Bottomlands Park - St. George's Drive and 7 Avenue NE
• Marda Loop Communities Association - 3130 16 Street SW
• Parks Compound - 10312 Sacramento Drive SW
• Spyhill Landfill* - 69 Street and 112 Avenue NW
• East Calgary Landfill* - 17 Avenue and 68 Street SE
• Shepard Landfill* - 114 Avenue and 68 Street SE

*Landfill locations are closed Sundays.

To prepare your tree for recycling, remove the tree stand and any ornaments and lights. Don’t bag or tie your tree.

For more information or to find a seasonal drop-off location near you, visit calgary.ca/waste or contact 311.

Did you know that the Christmas season is the busiest time of year for The City’s recycling facility? It sees an approximately 30% increase in recyclable material during the holidays.

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