Here’s how and when to recycle your Christmas tree in San Luis Obispo County
Now that Christmas has passed, it’s time to dispose of that slowly dying tree in your house.
Though you could keep your Christmas tree up through January until it is a dry husk of the splendid pine it once was (against the advice of fire authorities who warn of the fire hazard of a dry tree in your home), San Luis Obispo County trash services have already begun accepting the trees to recycle.
Most have deadlines as well, so if you want an easy way to dispose of your tree, make sure to check your trash provider to see when they will no longer take them.
Here is a roundup of where, when and how to recycle your Christmas tree across SLO County.
General rules for recycling your Christmas tree
Some general rules first, most community garbage and recycling service providers will accept Christmas trees in the green waste cart only, according to the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA). If you do not have a green bin, you can contact your trash services provider to schedule a pickup.
According to the IWMA, you should also cut your tree into 4 foot or shorter lengths, with no tree parts greater than 6 inches in diameter, unless otherwise specified.
Tinsel, ribbons, stands and all other decorations must be removed, and flocked trees are not accepted at all.
Chicago Grade Landfill, Cold Canyon Landfill, Santa Maria Transfer Station, Paso Robles Landfill and North County Recycling also accept Christmas trees for recycling, according to IWMA. Fees apply.
Atascadero Waste Management
Atascadero Waste Management will pick up Christmas trees for recycling between Dec. 27 and Jan. 14.
The trash services provider asks that all trees should be cut in half and placed in their green waste bin on the curb on the regular service day.
For trees that can’t be cut up, you should call the Atascadero office at 805-466-3636 to schedule a pickup, according to IWMA.
Multi-family complexes should contact Atascadero Waste Management for special pickup once they have five or more trees that need to be recycled.
MidState Solid Waste
In Templeton and some other unincorporated North County areas, MidState Solid Waste began picking up Christmas trees for recycling after Dec. 25.
According to IWMA, the trees must go into a green waste bin for pickup on a normal collection day. Those without a green bin should contact MidState Solid Waste at 805-434-9112.
Christmas trees not in a cart and placed on the curb are subject to additional fees.
Paso Robles Waste and Recycle
Paso Robles Waste and Recycle will collect Christmas trees through Jan. 8.
According to IWMA, a special route is run specifically for live, undecorated and unflocked trees for the two weeks following Christmas, and during this time, trees do not need to be cut into smaller pieces. Trees should be placed next to the cart, not in the green waste cart.
Outside of this two-week period, trees need to be cut down to fit within the green waste cart.
For further information, call Paso Robles Waste and Recycling at 805-238-2381.
San Miguel Garbage
San Miguel Garbage collects Christmas trees on normal pickup days through the second week of January, according to IWMA.
Stands should be removed, and trees should be placed next to regular trash containers.
For more information, call San Miguel Garbage at 805-467-9283.
Waste Connections
Waste Connections, which connects Mission Country Disposal (North Coast), Morro Bay Garbage, San Luis Garbage and South County Sanitary, accepts Christmas trees in green waste bins.
Trees should be cut into 4 foot or shorter lengths.
If you do not have a green waste collection, contact your service provider at 805-543-0875.
Christmas trees not in a bin and placed on the curb are subject to additional fees.
This story was originally published December 31, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
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