Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, many residents of Steinbach are left pondering a crucial question: Can wrapping paper be recycled? For years, Eldon Wallman, the Solid Waste Manager, has discouraged residents from placing wrapping paper in recycling bins, but this year, he brings a game-changing update.

Recyclability of Wrapping Paper

With a flurry of gifts expected to be unwrapped in the coming days, Wallman now states that some types of expensive wrapping paper are indeed recyclable. "If you are not sure, just err on the side of throwing it in there anyway," he suggests. This new advice allows residents to feel more confident in their recycling efforts. Wallman assures residents that if these papers aren't recyclable, the recycling facility will sort it out later.

What Remains Non-Recyclable?

However, not all materials are as fortunate. Wallman underscores that Styrofoam remains non-recyclable in Manitoba. "Styrofoam is a no-go," he asserts. Yet there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon, as efforts to develop a recycling process for Styrofoam are underway, though not yet available in the market.

Post-Holiday Clean-Up Tips

When it comes to post-holiday clean-up, Wallman shares helpful tips for disposing of real Christmas trees. Residents can simply place their trees at the end of their driveway after New Year's Day, and the solid waste team will do a second run to collect them. Surprisingly, it's not uncommon for them to still pick up trees as late as April or May. "They look like Charlie Brown trees by that point, but yeah, we'll take them any time," he adds with a chuckle.

Decline in Real Tree Collection

Wallman observes a notable decline in the number of real trees being collected each year; a stark contrast to 20 years ago when the count was between 200 and 300, it's now shrunk to just 50 to 60. The collected trees are transformed into wood chips for use at the landfill, as pine needles aren’t ideal for mulch.

Preventing Holiday Theft

In a final piece of advice, Wallman cautions homeowners about holiday theft. When recycling cardboard boxes, especially those that might reveal expensive gifts like big-screen TVs, it’s smart to cut them into smaller pieces. This simple act can deter potential thieves from targeting your home during the festive season.

Collection Schedules Reminder

Lastly, with three holidays on the horizon, Wallman reminds everyone to keep an eye on their garbage and recycling collection schedules, which will change three times until January 2nd. So, as you prepare for the festivities ahead, remember to make informed choices about your wrapping paper and holiday waste!