January 4, 2024
Now that the holiday season has passed, residents have several ways to dispose of their Christmas trees.
Natural Christmas trees
The City starts curbside collection of natural Christmas trees on Monday, January 22. Trees will be picked up by February 16, subject to collection capacity and not necessarily on residents’ scheduled waste collection day. Residents are asked to place their tree out for collection by 7 a.m. on January 22 to ensure they don’t miss their collection day.
Residents are asked to:
- Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, garlands, nails, screws and tree stands. This enables collected trees to be chipped and composted.
- Cut trees larger than 2 metres (6.5 feet) into smaller pieces. This helps to keep collectors safe.
- Place the unbagged tree on its side next to the garbage or food scraps carts.
- Ensure Christmas trees are clear of snow and ice so they can be easily spotted and lifted during pick-up.
Apartment or condominium residents, as well as residents who have missed tree collection in their neighbourhoods, can take their natural Christmas trees, free of charge, to:
- A Community Recycling Depot until January 24, 2024 (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.
Christmas trees should not be placed in or near apartment garbage, recycling, or food waste bins as they will not be picked up.
Artificial Christmas trees
Artificial trees in good condition, can be donated to a local charity, second-hand store or the
Reuse Centre. The Reuse Centre accepts artificial tree donations as long as the tree is in a box and includes all parts.
For artificial trees in poor condition, residents can:
- Take them to an Eco Station (a small fee applies).
- Place it in your black garbage cart (lid must fully close). Be careful not to stuff it tightly in your cart, as this may prevent it from sliding out during collection.
As for other holiday waste items, while many kinds of wrapping paper and boxes can be recycled, other items—such as batteries and broken Christmas lights—need to go to the Eco Station for safe disposal. Simply placing these items in the garbage can pose a significant injury risk to staff who help sort waste or cause fires and other costly operational issues at City waste facilities. Items such as gift bows and bags, and unused wrapping paper, can be donated to the Reuse Centre.
