News Release

Christmas Tree Recycling

The City of Edmonton has been collecting and recycling Christmas trees set out for curbside collection and at recycling depots since 1990.

Residents are asked to place their un-bagged tree on its side next to their garbage bags by 7am on Friday January 9, 2015. Trees will be picked up for recycling within three weeks, but not necessarily on your regular waste collection day.

For Christmas trees to be acceptable for composting, all ornaments, tinsel, garlands, nails, screws and tree stands must be removed. Large trees should be cut into two-metre (6.5 foot) lengths.

Apartment and condo residents are asked to take their natural Christmas trees to a community recycling depot or an Eco Station free of charge until January 30, 2015. Christmas trees should not be placed in or beside apartment recycling or waste bins.

Approximately 11,971 trees were collected for recycling in 2014. The trees are chipped and composted at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre.

Artificial trees

The Reuse Centre accepts artificial trees, free of charge, providing they are in a box including all parts. They will be made available to organizations and individuals for reuse.

Artificial trees that are not fit for reuse are not recyclable and should be set out with your garbage on your regular collection day.