Tips on how to avoid 'wish-cycling' your holiday waste

The City of Edmonton is asking residents to be considerate of how they pack away holiday waste.

"Everyone at home is enjoying themselves in this festive season, but they can also do their part when it comes to managing waste to make sure they put the right thing where it belongs," said Neil Burkard, an education coordinator at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre.

"The number one way that we can have a successful waste system, it starts at home. If you put the right thing where it belongs from the beginning, that's good for everyone."

One of those steps is considering if your trash really is trash. For example, Burkard said some people toss their unwanted Christmas decorations in the recycling, rather than donating them.

"Someone says, 'Hey, this is made out of plastic, and I don't want it anymore. Let's put it into the recycling,'" he said. "That's called wish-cycling; good intentions, but not a very happy outcome."

"Something like this could go to the reuse center because it's perfectly usable, and another individual could use this to decorate for their holiday season." 

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Artificial Christmas trees in good condition can be donated to local charities or second-hand stores. Trees that need to be thrown away can be taken to an Eco Station or – if they will fit – be placed in black garbage carts.

Gift bows and bags, as well as unused wrapping paper, can be donated to the Reuse Centre, while used wrapping paper and cardboard boxes can be recycled.

Christmas lights and batteries – including those found in musical greeting cards or vaping devices – need to be taken to a city Eco Station for safe disposal, because they can cause fires or injuries to people and equipment at waste facilities.

For more detailed information on what waste goes where, visit the City of Edmonton website or download the WasteWise app.

As for those natural Christmas trees, they can be placed out near your garbage or food scraps bin at 7 a.m. on Jan. 20.

Christmas trees can be seen in this undated file photo. (File)Trees are taken to be chipped, so all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garlands, tree stands, nails and screws should be removed.

Trees larger than two metres (6'6") should be cut into smaller pieces. Unbagged trees can be placed on the ground next to the garbage or food scraps cart, and should be kept clear of snow and ice until pickup.

The city said trees will be collected by Feb. 3., though collection may not fall on scheduled waste collection days.

Trees will not be picked up from inside or near apartment waste or recycling bins. Apartment residents, or anyone who misses their tree pickup, can take their natural Christmas tree to one of the following locations:

A community recycling depot until Feb. 9 (place the tree next to the entrance or exit of the depot and ensure it does not block access).

One of four Eco Stations any time during regular operating hours. Staff will provide specific instructions on where to place trees.

With files from CTV News Edmonton's Connor Hogg