The Christmas season is over in Edmonton, and residents are being asked to consider recycling more of their Christmas waste, especially plastic bags. These bags, particularly the flimsy, thin plastic bags used for Christmas gifts and groceries, can be used to create new products such as plastic composite lumber, park benches, and decking.
Grant Cameron of the Alberta Plastics Recycling Association commented that this is an increasingly profitable business that has tripled in size across North America in recent years.
A number of establishments are making an effort to recycle the plastic bags including retailers such as Safeway, Sobey’s, Save on Foods, and London Drugs. They can also be returned to Alberta’s waste collection service. A listing of participating stores in Alberta can be found at www.myplasticbags.ca. The website increases convenience for residents by allowing residents to type in their postal code and find the nearest recycling location.
The plastic bags need to be emptied and cleaned of any food and drink waste before being recycled.
In addition, the city of Alberta will be recycling wrapping paper. No metallic or foil-containing wrapping paper can be accepted. Other items such as ribbons, bows, and Styrofoam are not recyclable.
Alberta will also be recycling Christmas trees beginning January 9 and will continue for two weeks.
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