Simple recycling tips to make your holidays environmentally friendly 

Holiday gift wrap and excess packaging can significantly impact the environment. Oxford County residents can make a difference by choosing products with minimal packaging and gift wrap that can be easily recycled.

Follow these simple steps for recycling this holiday season:

• Remove all tape, plastic film, twist ties and other objects before recycling cardboard packaging.
• Flatten and bundle cardboard boxes no larger than 75 x 75 x 20 centimetres.
• Recycle wrapping paper, but discard foil-based wrapping paper in the garbage.
• Remove all ribbons and bows, and consider saving and reusing them next year.
• Dispose of Christmas lights, battery-powered toys and clear plastic film in the garbage after removing any batteries.
• Drop off used batteries for free at one of Oxford County's hazardous waste depots: the Oxford County Waste Management Facility or the Woodstock EnviroDepot.
• Recycle the bulky Styrofoam often found in larger gifts for free at the Oxford County Waste Management Facility, Tillsonburg Transfer Station, or Woodstock EnviroDepot. 

Holiday collection changes

During the holidays, residences and businesses in Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ingersoll, Norwich, South-West Oxford, Zorra, and parts of Tillsonburg (North of Concession, West of Broadway) will have regularly scheduled collections.

Adjusted collection dates in the Town of Tillsonburg

Woodstock Residents should refer to the City Services Calendar or visit www.cityofwoodstock.ca/waste for holiday curbside collection services

Waste facility holiday hours and closures

Oxford County Waste Management Facility

Regular operating hours for the Oxford County Waste Management Facility are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

The Oxford County Waste Management Facility will be closed for the holidays on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Thursday, December 26, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025.  

Woodstock EnviroDepot

The Woodstock EnviroDepot is open during regular winter operating hours over the holidays. Recycling only is available Wednesday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., with full service on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There will be two “bonus days” for full service on Friday, December 20 and Friday, December 27, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tillsonburg Transfer Station

The Tillsonburg Transfer Station will be open for regular operating hours over the holidays, Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Christmas tree disposal

Residents can dispose of real Christmas trees at any brush, leaf, and yard waste depot throughout Oxford County.

Tips for setting out materials in the winter

During the winter months, Oxford County Waste Management reminds residents to ensure that collection staff can see their set-outs easily. Refrain from using white garbage bags, which can be challenging to see in snowy conditions. Avoid placing garbage and recycling on top of snowbanks and sidewalks. If necessary, shovel an area for your waste at ground level.

Inclement weather during the winter can cause delays or cancellations to garbage and recycling collection. Oxford County residents can sign up for service alerts sent directly to their smartphone or tablet by downloading the Wasteline app. Residents can sign up for email, phone or text service alerts through the “When’s my pickup?” widget on wasteline.ca.