As the holiday season winds down, the City of Calgary is reminding residents of the responsible ways to say goodbye to their festive firs. The municipality has confirmed there are two straightforward methods for composting real Christmas trees, ensuring they don't end up in landfills.
Two Convenient Disposal Pathways
The city emphasizes that both options are designed for ease and environmental benefit. The first method involves taking your tree to one of the city's designated drop-off locations. These sites are specifically set up to accept trees for chipping and composting. The second, and often more convenient option for many, is to place the tree directly at your curb for collection. For this curbside pickup, residents must ensure all decorations, tinsel, stands, and nails are completely removed. The trees are then collected by city crews as part of a special holiday waste diversion program.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Composting Christmas trees is a key part of Calgary's waste management strategy. When trees are processed through the city's composting system, they are turned into nutrient-rich mulch and soil amendments. This material is often used in city parks and community gardens, closing the loop on the holiday lifecycle of the tree. Disposing of trees in the regular garbage is discouraged, as it takes up valuable landfill space and wastes a reusable organic resource.
The city's announcement, made on December 29, 2025, provides clear guidance to help residents start the new year with a clean slate. By utilizing these services, Calgarians contribute directly to the city's sustainability goals and keep thousands of trees out of the waste stream annually.
Planning Your Tree's Final Journey
To ensure a smooth pickup, residents should plan to have their trees ready for collection shortly after the holidays. The city typically runs the collection program for several weeks into January. Checking the specific dates and drop-off locations on the City of Calgary's official website is recommended for the most current information. This simple act of post-holiday cleanup helps maintain neighborhood tidiness and supports the city's broader environmental initiatives.
