Where to recycle your Christmas tree in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG — Instead of throwing out a natural Christmas tree in the garbage, residents are being asked to recycle their trees after the holidays.

Between Dec. 27 and Jan, 20, the city is offering free tree recycling. Wood chips will also be available at the depots early in January.

“It’s so we can repurpose it and reuse it, so it doesn’t just sit there and do nothing,” Mark Kinsey of the City of Winnipeg said.

“Once the residents drop it off… it’s good for shrub beds to prevent moisture loss,” he said.

RELATED: Packing away the holiday leftovers and decor

The recycling program stated 26 years ago, and since then the city has reused more than 349,000 trees.

“That’s more than 3,000 trucks full of trees,” Kinsey added.

If you are going to recycle your tree, all plastic bags, tinsel, lights, decorations and tree stands must be taken off before it’s dropped off.

Trees placed at the curb next to recycling or garbage carts won’t be collected.

Last year, the city recycled nearly 12,000 trees.

Recycling depots

• Charleswood Centre, 3900 Grant Ave: 24-hour access
• Fire Station #17, 1501 Church Ave: 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
• Kilcona Park, Lagimodiere Boulevard and McIvor Avenue: 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Kildonan Park, 2015 Main St., Rainbow Stage parking lot: 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
• King’s Park, 198 King’s Dr: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Panet Recycling Depot, Panet Road and Mission Street: 24-hour access
• St. Boniface, Darveau Street at the back lane at Tache Avenue: 24-hour access
• St. James Civic Centre, 2055 Ness Ave: 24-hour access
• St. Vital Park, 190 River Rd: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Vimy Arena, 255 Hamilton Avenue: 24-hour access
• Winnipeg Soccer Complex, 900 Waverley St. 24-hour access