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Cranbrook, BC (December 16, 2025) – December may be the season of giving, but January is definitely the season of cleaning up what we gave. Once the presents have been opened and the living room looks like a festive paper factory exploded, many residents are left wondering: now what do I do with all this stuff?

Good news — your curbside recycling cart is ready to help you dig out from beneath that mountain of holiday packaging. But with so many shiny, crinkly, glittery items flying around at this time of year, it can be tough to remember what actually goes where.

Most of your holiday packaging can go straight into your curbside recycling cart — things like cardboard boxes, envelopes, paper gift bags, and even tissue paper. But the sparkly, shimmery décor? Save that magic for next year, not your cart. Wrapping paper with glitter, foil, or holographic designs, plus ribbons, bows, bubble wrap, and foam packaging, can’t be recycled curbside because of the materials they’re made from. Those items need a separate trip to the Cranbrook Transfer Station.

Not sure what belongs where? Our Waste Wizard has your back at www.cranbrook.ca/recycling.

You can also find your 2026 curbside recycling and garbage schedule online, pick up a printed copy at City Hall, or check the December 11 edition of the Kootenay Advertiser. Sign up for smartphone reminders so you never miss a pickup day. Visit our website www.cranbrook.ca and search ‘Garbage and Recycling.