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Here's what to do with your Christmas tree, holiday waste in Burnaby

The dos and don'ts for post-holiday waste.
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Burnaby offers holiday waste reduction tips.

It’s almost a week after Christmas, and now that the eggnog is almost finished, it’s time to clean up after the holidays.

But where do all those boxes, packages and tags go? And what about that giant tree?

The City of Burnaby has you covered.

Residential tree collection will occur for three weeks between Monday, Jan. 6 and Friday, Jan. 24.

Residents can leave their tree out at the regular pickup area anytime during those dates and city workers will pick it up as soon as possible, according to the city’s holiday waste reduction webpage.

Trees must be free of any ornaments, tinsel or lights, and the tree goes out next to the green bin. It can also be chopped up and placed into the green bin with a closed lid.

The city notes only natural trees can be recycled; artificial trees, or those covered in snow foam, must be thrown out in the garbage.

If you miss the tree collection period, don’t worry! You can drop off your tree for free at the Burnaby Eco-Centre at 4855 Still Creek Dr. Just remember to bring your proof of Burnaby residency.

The Eco-Centre is open Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. but will be closed Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

What can go out for curbside recycling:

  • wrapping paper and wrapping tissue paper (no metallic or plastic pieces)
  • paper gift tags and boxes
  • paper greeting cards (remove any electronic components)
  • cardboard boxes (flattened)
  • metal cookie or sweets containers

What to throw out in the garbage:

  • crinkle wrap and cellophane wrap
  • wrapping paper with metallic or plastic pieces
  • ribbons and bows and broken or unwanted ornaments
  • artificial Christmas trees that cannot be reused

What to drop off at the Burnaby Eco-Centre:

  • plastic bags, single-layer plastic envelope bags and soft plastics
  • candy wrappers, bubble wrap and other flexible plastics
  • extra curbside recyclables such as flattened cardboard and metal tins
  • light bulbs, light strings and batteries