A pleasant and safe Christmas to everyone

Published:
Photo: Gaby Dyson (Unsplash)

Christmas is coming, and we would like to remind you of a few things to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and pleasant holiday season.

  • Open fires and candles: Please do not leave candles or open fires unattended. Remember to use non-flammable bases and place candles at a safe distance from flammable materials. Open fires are not allowed on balconies or in private yard areas.
  • Electrical appliances: Please remember to switch off Christmas lights and other electrical appliances before going to bed or when no one is at home. Only lights intended for outdoor use may be used outdoors or on balconies. It is also worth checking that your home has a fire alarm with a working battery.
  • Ham fat: Fat from cooking ham should not be poured down the drain. Hot ham fat is liquid, but when it cools down, it may block the pipes. Allow the fat to cool, for example in an empty milk can, and dispose of it as solidified bio-waste.
  • Food scraps: Food scraps should also be disposed of in the bio-waste bin, not in the toilet or down the drain.
  • Aluminium trays from Christmas dishes and cooking foil should be sorted into the metal recycling container.
  • Gift wrapping: Gift wrapping paper and ribbons should be disposed of as mixed waste.
  • Neighbours and pets: Please be considerate of neighbours and pets during Christmas and New Year, both in your own and your guests’ noise levels, as well as when using fireworks. Fireworks are not allowed on the property grounds. Remember to use appropriate safety equipment and clean up after yourself.

HSY will begin free Christmas tree collection in the Helsinki metropolitan area on 7 January 2026, and the collection will continue until the end of February. Trees must be placed outdoors in a visible location near the waste shelter or waste bins by 6 January at the latest, ensuring they do not block walkways or become covered by snow.

More information on sorting Christmas waste can be found at:
Waste sorting is important at Christmas too – see HSY’s sorting tips (HSY) .

We wish you a peaceful Christmas season and a happy New Year 2026!