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As the Christmas season ends, don’t be a Grinch. Make sure to dispose of your live tree in an eco-friendly way and let go of “wishcycling” certain items. So, here’s how to stay on the nice list and get rid of your waste and recycling in London this holiday:
HOW TO DISPOSE OF YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland, skirts and lights. Trees can be dropped off at the city’s three EnviroDepots or be placed in the backyard where they will become a natural habitat for birds.
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In the spring, trees shorter than three metres can be left at the curb for regular yard waste collection. Check London’s 2025 collection schedule for yard waste pickup dates.
WHERE TO DROP OFF TREES
Trees can be brought to the city’s three EnviroDepots at 1450 Oxford St. W., 28 Clarke Rd. S. and 21462 Clarke Rd. N. (Try Recycling Inc.)
WHEN TO DROP THEM
This year, three extra drop-off days are available in addition to Wednesdays and Saturdays at EnviroDepots. All EnviroDepots are closed on Jan. 1.
- Saturday, Dec. 28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 2, noon-5 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 4, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 8, noon-5 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 12, noon-5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 15, noon-5 p.m.
HOW MANY TREES ARE RECYCLED?
Between 100 and 130 tonnes of Christmas trees are dropped off by Londoners every year, city officials say.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM?
The city delivers the trees to Try Recycling where they’re chipped and used for mulch.
LET GO OF “WISHCYCLING”
Though intentions may be good, not all post-Christmas waste can be recycled. Paper such as gift wrapping can be covered in plastic or foil or have coloured dyes and are not recyclable. If mixed with newsprint and other paper, they cause “big problems” for paper mills, the city says. Here’s a list of items that can’t go in the blue box:
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- Clementine boxes
- Ribbons, bows and decorations
- Plastic toys
- Styrofoam and bubble wrap
- Paper napkins, towels and soiled paper plates
OTHER HELPFUL REMINDERS
From leaving green bins, blue boxes and containers on snow banks to putting gift wraps in the trash can, the city has a few recommendations on how to dispose of holiday waste and recycling items.
Break down and flatten boxes. With the additional amount of recycling during the holidays, trucks need more space. Tie your cardboard into bundles or stack them flattened in your blue bin. Bigger cardboards can dropped off at an EnviroDepot free of charge.
Avoid green materials from freezing in the bin by taking them to the curb in the morning rather than the night before. Drain excess liquids from food scraps and line the bottom of the bin with a layer of soiled cardboard, newspaper or an egg carton.
Finally, put fats, oils and grease (FOG) in the right place. Leftover gravy or cooking oil can block sewer pipes and cause issues, so don’t pour it down the sink or toilet. They also can be poured into food-soiled paper products such as a paper egg carton, soiled food paper packaging not coated in plastic or foil such as a paper bag or in FOG cups available for free at EnviroDepots and public libraries. After the FOG cups are full, they can be returned to a depot where they will be used to generate green energy.
For more information on how to become a recycling champion, download the Recycle Coach app that includes personalized collection calendars, information on London’s recycling program and collection reminders.
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