The holiday season is synonymous with celebration — and unfortunately, with a significant increase in waste. From gift wrappings to food leftovers, the festive period can leave a lasting environmental footprint. Windsor-Essex residents, however, can take simple yet effective steps to reduce their waste and promote sustainability in the new year.
Cat Griffin, communications specialist with the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA), emphasizes the importance of responsible disposal during the holidays. “The holiday season generates a lot of waste, and it’s crucial to handle it properly,” Griffin said, noting the potential harm caused by improper disposal of items like electronics and chemical waste. “We don’t want these materials ending up in landfills, as they contain metals and chemicals that can leach into our environment.”
Gift Wrap and Packaging Disposal
The abundance of packaging materials during the holidays can be overwhelming, but there are ways to minimize its impact. Flatten cardboard boxes and place them in the appropriate recycling bins, ensuring that any tape or labels are removed. However, not all packaging is recyclable. Mixed-material items, like boxes with plastic windows, require separation before recycling, while bubble wrap, Styrofoam, and packing peanuts should be disposed of in the trash.
Gift wrap and tissue paper can be recycled, but Griffin advises caution. “Avoid wrapping paper with glitter, foil, or non-recyclable elements like ribbons or bows,” she explained. “These materials can cause issues with recycling equipment.” Additionally, paper that has been painted, glued, or adorned with stickers should be treated as garbage.
To reduce waste in the future, consider reusing gift bags. “Gift bags are durable and reusable, so store them for next year,” Griffin suggested.
Managing Leftovers and Cooking Waste
Food waste is another major concern during the holidays. To avoid excess waste, Griffin recommends serving smaller portions and replenishing as needed. “Serve in moderation to reduce leftovers, and store items like dips and spreads in the fridge to keep them fresh,” she said.
If food does spoil, remove it from plastic containers or bags before discarding it in the trash. Additionally, avoid pouring cooking oil down the sink or toilet. When cooled, oil can solidify, causing pipe blockages and disrupting the treatment process at wastewater facilities. Instead, Griffin encourages residents to recycle used cooking oil by pouring it into a container and dropping it off at an EWSWA depot for free.
Disposing of Christmas Trees
When the holiday season ends, many people wonder how to dispose of their real Christmas tree. Windsor-Essex residents can drop off their trees at designated depots in Windsor, Kingsville, or Essex. “We recycle Christmas trees into garden compost, which benefits the environment,” Griffin said. For curbside pickup, check the waste collection calendar for the Christmas tree symbol, which marks the designated yard waste day in January.
Artificial trees can be donated to local charities, Griffin suggests, as many accept trees in various conditions. “Even if a branch is missing, there are charities that will gladly take them.”
EWSWA Drop-off Locations
The EWSWA provides several drop-off depots across Windsor-Essex, with varying hours during the holiday season:
Windsor: 3560 North Service Rd. E. (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday)
Kingsville: Transfer Station #2, 2021 Albuna Townline (8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday)
Essex: Regional Recycling Depot, 7700 County Rd. 18 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday)
For more details on holiday hours and what can be dropped off, residents are encouraged to visit the EWSWA website.
By following these simple waste disposal tips, Windsor-Essex residents can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment in the year ahead.
For more information, visit the EWSWA website or contact the authority directly.
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