The ‘green’ way to dispose of your Christmas tree

Posted by Jill Russell on December 30, 2009 at 1:51 pm

Pierce County his helping residents ‘go green’ by offering Christmas tree recycling sites in several local cities.
The Public Works and Utilities departments in various cities, towns and county-contracted private solid waste and recycling companies are currently collecting discarded trees.
All trees collected through the self-haul and curbside yard waste programs are composted into a beneficial soil amendment that is popular with home and commercial gardeners. "Treecycling" helps save valuable landfill space, while the compost created enhances soil quality, saves water and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Pierce County residents who subscribe to yard waste collection service can "treecycle" their Christmas tree via curbside. Other residents can recycle trees free of charge at designated locations.
Milton, Tacoma, Puyallup and Ruston have special collection programs for households within their limits. Milton residents should contact the city’s public works department at (253) 922-8733 for more information about this service.
Before trees are recycled, remember to remove the tree stand, tinsel, decorations, garland, nails and staples.
To recycle curbside, cut the tree into 4-foot lengths or smaller and place loosely inside the yard waste container. If it doesn't all fit, dispose of the pieces over several weeks on regularly scheduled yard waste pick-up days.
All facilities are closed on Christmas and New Year's days.