Choose gift wrap options that are easily recycled

During the holidays, gift wrap and excess packaging can have a significant environmental impact. Residents can make a difference by choosing products with minimal packaging and gift wrap options that are 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.
• Break down, flatten and bundle all cardboard boxes, with bundles no larger than 75 x 75 x 20 centimetres.
• Wrapping paper can be recycled, except for foil-based paper.
• Remove all ribbons and bows. Save and reuse for next year where possible.

Remember, you can recycle bulky Styrofoam, often found in larger gifts, for free at the Oxford County Waste Management Facility, Tillsonburg Transfer Station and Woodstock EnviroDepot.

Holiday collection changes

Residences and businesses in Blandford-Blenheim, Tillsonburg, Norwich, South-West Oxford, and East Zorra-Tavistock will have regular collections over the holidays.

Adjusted collection dates in Ingersoll (north) and Zorra Township

Woodstock Residents should refer to the City Services Calander or visit https://www.cityofwoodstock.ca/en/residential-services/holiday-collection.aspx 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 Monday, December 25, 2023, Tuesday, December 26, 2023, and Monday, January 1, 2024.

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 22 and Friday, December 29, 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 p.m.

Christmas tree disposal

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

Online bag tag purchases

The Oxford County Administration Building will be closed from December 23, 2023, until January 2, 2024. Any bag tag purchases made online during this time will not be processed until offices reopen. A list of local retailers is available at wasteline.ca/bagtags.

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.