What to do with all that Holiday packaging and waste

By Medicine Hat News on December 27, 2022.

Between gift wrap, packaging and food and beverage containers, the Holidays generate a lot of waste. But, despite such, it is possible to be environmentally conscious at Christmas by properly sorting, disposing of and recycling waste.

Wrapping paper

Some types of wrapping paper can be recycled, while others cannot. The easiest way to determine if your wrapping paper can be recycled is by checking the packaging it came in, as most packaging will specify.

When checking, look for a recycling symbol with a number in it. Nos. 1-7 may be recycled, while all other numbers may not.

Tape should be removed from any wrapping paper being recycled.

Gift bags

Only gift bags which are 100 per cent paper and free of glitter may be recycled. And if a paper bag has rope handles, the handles must be removed prior to recycling.

Greeting cards

Like gift bags, only paper cards free of glitter or other non-paper decorations may be recycled.

Ribbon and bows

Cannot be recycled.

Cardboard

Can be recycled.

Aluminum foil containers and wrap

May be recycled so long as the containers and wrap are 100 per cent aluminum and are cleaned prior to recycling.

Styrofoam

Cannot be recycled.

Tin cans

Can be recycled, but must be washed prior to recycling.

Glass bottles and cardboard beverage containers

Can be recycled, and are eligible for a bottle deposit refund if returned to a bottle depot.

Recyclable items can be recycled at any one of the city’s three bulk depots – located at Northlands Co-op, Kipling Street and in the Medicine Hat Mall’s parking lot – or left in blue bins for collection.

Any items which cannot be recycled should be sorted into the trash.

For additional questions regarding which items can be recycled, Hatters are encouraged to download the Recycle Coach app – available on Android or iPhone – or online by searching ‘What Goes Where’ on the city’s website.

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