If you’re the type of person who likes to wrap up all things holiday-related just after New Year’s Day, then this PSA is just for you.
The City of Calgary is reminding citizens that there are two ways to recycle real Christmas trees after the holiday season, and you have until Jan. 31, 2026, to do it.
First, you can put it in your green bin. Though seeing as how most trees won’t fit in the bin provided, you’ll have to cut them into small pieces. You’ll also have to make sure all decorations and tinsel are removed.
If you had a particularly bountiful Christmas and your compost bin is already full, you can use paper yard waste bags, roll the tops closed, and set them two feet from the side of your cart.
The second way is to let someone else handle it. Though you’ll have to strap it up and get it to one of 13 temporary drop-off sites first. Here’s where they’re located:
- Auburn Bay Off-Leash Area: 52 Street and Auburn Bay Drive S.E.
- Bottomlands Park: Saint George’s Drive and 7 Avenue N.E. (soccer field parking lot)
- Bowness: 7937 43 Ave. N.W. (in lot behind building)
- Braeside Park: 256 Brookpark Dr. S.W.
- Confederation Park: 905 30 Ave. N.W. (east parking lot)
- Huntington Hills Athletic Park: 7920 4 St. N.E.
- IKEA: 8000 11 St. S.E. (northwest corner of parking lot behind store)
- Marda Loop Communities Association: 3130 16 St. S.W.
- North Glenmore Park: 6615 37 St. S.W. (Weaselhead parking lot)
- Park 96: 14660 Parkland Blvd S.E.
- Pop Davies / Ogden Athletic Park: Ogden Road and Millican Road S.E.
- Prairie Winds Park: 44 Street and 54 Avenue N.E. (south parking lot)
- Sacramento Parks Depot: 10400 Sacramento Dr. S.W.
There is a secret third way, and that’s to drop them off at City of Calgary landfill and eco-centre location – for free – until Jan. 31.
Here’s where you can find more information on getting rid of your real Christmas tree this year.
