As the holiday celebrations draw to a close, the City reminds residents of the straightforward steps to take for efficient cleanup and disposal of festive debris. For those decommissioning their Christmas trees, the City instructs them to first strip the trees of all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, and other such decorations before setting them out for collection. Trees should be placed where your regular trash is collected—but not in the street—to ensure they are picked up as part of a special collection service running through the end of February. According to the City of West Allis, pickups will occur intermittently throughout the week, pending staff availability and weather conditions.
When it comes to holiday trappings that don't biodegrade, the City has specified what belongs in the trash vs. what you can toss in the recycle bin. Any ribbons, bows, and pieces of Styrofoam should either be disposed of with the regular garbage or, better yet, saved for next year's gift-giving. Gift bags with ribbon handles share a similar fate; they're not suitable for recycling. This guidance extends to wrapping accoutrements as well, with plain wrapping paper, plain tissue paper (sans glitter), and cardboard boxes being deemed recyclable.
Residents with excess post-holiday trash or recyclable materials have an alternative to curbside pickup, as the Municipal Yard is accepting these items during regular operating hours. Officials note that this option is available for those whose bins are full after the holidays, including the disposal of Christmas trees, which can be handled in an environmentally responsible manner once the season concludes, according to the City of West Allis.
As the holiday season comes to a close, residents are encouraged to dispose of decorations and seasonal waste responsibly to support both city cleanliness and environmental sustainability. Local officials emphasize proper sorting, recycling, and disposal as part of ongoing waste management efforts, noting that small actions taken during post-holiday cleanup can help reduce environmental impact and promote long-term stewardship.
