As the holiday festivities wind down and the last gift has been unwrapped, many find themselves staring at a heap of crumpled wrapping paper, colorful ribbons, and discarded cardboard boxes. But before you toss it all in the trash, have you ever wondered what the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of or recycle this post-Christmas packaging is?

In Canada alone, a staggering 540,000 tonnes of wrapping paper make their way to landfills each year after the holidays, amounting to the combined weight of about 100,000 elephants or the height of 4.5 CN Towers, according to the environmental organization, Zero Waste Canada. This overwhelming figure underscores the urgent need for better waste management practices.

Charlotte Ueta, the director of policy, planning, and outreach for Toronto’s solid waste management services, highlights that a notable increase in waste occurs during December and January. "People tend to generate more waste during the holidays, and a lot of that could actually be recycled, composted, or reused," she explains.

Essential Tips for Holiday Waste Management

To assist Canadians in reducing this waste, cities like Toronto are actively promoting proper disposal methods.

1. Know What Can Be Recycled:

Generally speaking, if your wrapping paper is easily tearable, feels like paper, and is void of glitter, foil, or plastic coatings, it is probably recyclable. This extends to non-metallic tissue paper, which is compostable in places like Toronto due to its biodegradable nature.

2. Cardboard and Other Items:

Cardboard boxes, holiday cards, envelopes, and rinsed plastic plates and cups can all be safely placed in the blue recycling bin. However, don’t forget about local rules, as some municipalities may have different guidelines.

3. Understanding Plastic Packaging:

The fate of plastic waste from toys varies by location. Cities like Calgary and Toronto accept mold-injected plastic packaging, common in electronic toys, making disposal easier for families.

4. The Do's and Don’ts of Ribbons and Bows:

Traditional ribbons and bows are often made from non-recyclable materials such as polyester. Similarly, metallic holiday paper, as well as gift bags (due to their usual plastic or foil coatings), cannot be recycled. Items like bubble wrap, bubble envelopes, and plastic gift cards also need to be disposed of in the trash rather than the recycling bin.

5. Embrace Reusability:

Given that many holiday items are not recyclable, Ueta advocates for reusing these materials next year. Consider opting for reusable gift wrap made from cloth or getting creative with newspaper. Ribbons and bows can also be saved and reused, making your future holidays a little greener.

In a world grappling with climate change and waste management issues, taking small yet impactful steps during the holiday season can lead to significant positive changes. So, this year, let’s celebrate not only with gifts and joy but also with an eco-conscious mindset. Remember, reduction and reuse are your best friends when it comes to holiday waste!