Holiday Waste Collection Changes

The City of Edmonton has made the following changes to its waste collection schedule.

There is no waste collection on Wednesday, December 25, 2019, and Wednesday, January 1, 2020. If your waste collection falls on these dates, your waste will be collected on Monday, December 23, 2019, and Monday, December 30, 2019, respectively.

All other collection days remain the same and collectors will be working as usual, including Boxing Day.

The City encourages residents to help make collection easier by clearing ice and snow away from collections areas and spreading sand on icy areas. Heavy and bulky items cannot be collected through residential collection and should be taken to Eco Stations. Residents can also drop off holiday items such as decorations, artificial Christmas trees and interior lights at the Reuse Centre if they are in good condition.

Residents can try the free WasteWise app to help them sort their waste.

Visit edmonton.ca/wastecollection

Create Memories, Not Waste

Tricks and tips on how to reduce waste during the holiday season.

The holiday season is a special time. We search for the perfect gifts for loved ones, wrap them, decorate, and celebrate with food, drink and endless cheer.

While traditions are important, it’s also important to be mindful of our waste during the holiday season. Did you know Edmonton household garbage nearly doubles during this time of year?

“There are so many gifts to give that don’t produce garbage,” says Rodney Al, Master Composter Recycler Program Coordinator. “I encourage people to consider less wrapping and more reduction.”

This year, try giving the gift of experience. Take in a concert with a friend, sign you and a loved one up for a cooking class, or enjoy a dinner out, your treat! You can even gift someone an annual subscription to a streaming service or consider donating your skills or time to the recipient’s favourite charity.

Not in to giving experiences? Embrace your skills and come up with something creative like crocheted mittens, a scarf or blanket. Another great gift is food or baked goods. Bake your loved one some cookies or gift your friends a jar of homemade salsa or jelly. Homemade gifts and food are always more personal and sentimental.

If you plan to give a gift that requires wrapping, try to make the wrapping part of the gift. Wrap the gift in a nice scarf, bandana, kitchen towel or shawl. You can also use scrap fabric leftovers from other projects or find some at the Reuse Centre or a local thrift store.

Lastly, donate holiday items you no longer need to the Reuse Centre, or purchase as many holiday items as you need for only $5 (up to 25 kg) including artificial trees, decorations and gift wrap.

Be sure to share your favourite holiday waste reduction tip on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, using the hashtag #WastelessHolidays, and you could win 1 of 10 wasteless prizes.

Visit edmonton.ca/wastelessholidays