To encourage waste reduction during the festive season, Thunder Bay Solid Waste & Recycling Services is pleased to announce its 2025 “Ho Ho Hold the Waste” Upcycled Ornament Challenge, inviting local residents to show their creative and sustainable ways of reducing waste during the holiday season.

Upcycling is the process of transforming waste or unwanted products into new items of higher value through creative reuse. Unlike recycling, which breaks down materials to be re-made, upcycling refashions items without destroying them.

The contest has begun, and runs through Dec. 21. There will be two prizes of a gift pack of locally sourced items: one prize of movie and bowling vouchers for the Youth category, up to 17 years of age, and one prize of a gift basket of local items for Adult category, age 18 and up.

Entries will be judged according to:

       • percentage of ornament made of upcycled materials
       • ingenuity (as in, "who knew you could upcycle THAT?")
       • durability - can be used year after year

To enter, participants must Like/Follow the Thunder Bay Solid Waste & Recycling Services Facebook page, and post one or more photos or videos on Facebook showcasing their upcycled holiday ornament, using the hashtag #HoHoHoldTheWaste

"The holidays are a great time to promote sustainability and waste reduction in the city, and showcase how we can celebrate in an environmentally responsible way,” said Jason Sherband, Manager of Solid Waste & Recycling Services. "Extra waste is typically generated during the holiday season, so we’re excited to invite people to show us creative ways to reduce waste, by upcycling materials into lasting holiday decorations."

Winners will be announced on Dec. 22, and each winner will receive a prize pack. For complete rules, eligibility information and prize descriptions, visit thunderbay.ca/christmas

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Contact:       Jason Sherband, Manager – Solid Waste & Recycling Services, 807-625-3851