It’s the time of year where we spend more time celebrating with friends and family.
It’s also a time that generates a lot of waste. We want to help residents learn what waste items go where this holiday season so we can keep more items out of the landfill.
Holiday collection impacts
There will be no recycling and garbage collection on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. This means that your regular collection day will be one day later during these two weeks.
For example, if your collection day normally falls on Monday, put your carts out on Tuesday during these two weeks.
To find your collection day, visit winnipeg.ca/collectionday, download the Recyclepedia app, or contact 311.
What goes where – holiday edition
The following holiday items do not belong in your recycling:
- Ribbon and wrapping paper
- Foam packaging (Styrofoam)
- Gift bags
- Plastic bags
- Christmas lights, light strands
- Toys
- Disposable cutlery and dishes
Please consider re-using or donating these items, where appropriate, instead of throwing them in the trash. If you are unsure if your item is recyclable, please search for it on the Recyclepedia, to see where it should go.
The following holiday items can go into your recycling cart:
- Empty cardboard gift boxes
- Paper greeting cards (without foam, glitter, glue or other non-paper items attached)
- Rigid plastic packaging (remove and recycle cardboard inserts)
- Empty food and beverage containers
Extra recycling can be taken to any 4R Winnipeg Depot or community recycling location for free.
Extra garbage can only be taken to the 4R Winnipeg Depot at 1777 Brady Rd., for a fee. You can also arrange a special pickup of garbage or large items, for a fee. You can arrange for the pickup online or contact 311.
Electronics & batteries
Old electronics, including computers, audio/visual equipment, microwaves, and old batteries, can be taken to any 4R Winnipeg Depot for free.
For hours of operation and a full list of accepted items, visit winnipeg.ca/4Rdepot.
Christmas tree recycling
Recycle your real Christmas tree for free by taking it to one of the Let’s Chip In depots, open December 27 to January 31. Residents are reminded that trees placed at the curb or lane next to recycling or garbage carts will not be collected.
All plastic tree bags, tinsel, lights, decorations, and tree stands must be removed before leaving a tree at a depot. Residents are asked to take plastic tree bags and other garbage home with them.
Residents are welcome to help themselves to free wood chips, which will be available at all depots in early January (while quantities last).
Last year, Winnipeg residents recycled approximately 5,701 trees. Keeping Christmas trees out of our landfills helps reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
For a list of Let’s Chip In depots and operating hours, visit winnipeg.ca/letschipin. Real trees can also be recycled year-round at any 4R Winnipeg Depot. Wood chips will not be available at 4R Winnipeg Depots.