Winnipeg residents can now give their festive firs a purposeful post-holiday send-off. The City of Winnipeg officially launched its annual "Let's Chip In" Christmas tree recycling program on Saturday, December 27, 2025. This initiative provides an eco-friendly alternative for disposing of natural trees once the holiday season concludes.
How the Program Works
The program is straightforward and designed for public convenience. Residents are invited to drop off their undecorated Christmas trees at designated depots across the city. It is crucial that all lights, tinsel, ornaments, and stands are removed before drop-off to ensure the trees can be properly processed. The collected trees are not destined for the landfill; instead, they will be chipped into mulch.
This mulch is then repurposed by the city for various municipal landscaping and gardening projects, effectively closing the loop and giving the trees a valuable second life. The program helps reduce the volume of organic waste sent to landfills during a period of typically high waste generation.
A Sustainable Choice for the Holiday Season
"Let's Chip In" represents a key component of Winnipeg's broader waste diversion and sustainability efforts. By choosing to recycle their trees, Winnipeggers contribute directly to local environmental health. The resulting mulch helps nourish soil in city parks and gardens, promoting healthy plant growth and reducing the need for commercial soil amendments.
The launch date of December 27 allows families ample time to enjoy their trees through the holidays before participating in the recycling effort. The city typically operates the depots for several weeks into the new year to accommodate all residents.
Participating in the Program
To ensure a smooth process, residents should note the following key points:
- Only natural, real Christmas trees are accepted. Artificial trees cannot be processed.
- All non-organic decorations must be completely removed.
- Trees should not be placed in plastic bags.
- Residents are encouraged to check the City of Winnipeg's official website or contact 311 for the most current list of depot locations and operating hours.
This annual program underscores a community-wide commitment to environmental stewardship, turning a symbol of holiday celebration into a resource for the city's green spaces. By chipping in, Winnipeggers start the new year with a simple, impactful sustainable action.
