Taking down your Christmas tree? Here’s how to get rid of it in SLO County
As the holiday season wraps up, some people are taking down decorations and tossing out Christmas trees.
Wondering what to do with your dry, needle-dropping evergreen?
Some waste collection companies in San Luis Obispo County have already started picking up old Christmas trees, while others plan to begin offering that service in the new year.
Most have specific deadlines and rules for trash pickup, so make sure to check with your local provider.
Here is how to recycle your holiday tree across SLO county:
Can I toss my old Christmas tree in the garbage?
Most local garbage and recycling service providers will accept real Christmas trees as long as they’ve been tossed in the green waste bin, according to the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority.
You can contact your local trash services provider to schedule a tree pickup if you do not already have a organic waste container.
According to the Integrated Waste Management Authority, you should cut your tree into segments measuring 4 feet or smaller and place them inside your green bin without any overflow.
Be sure to remove all ornaments, tinsel, decorations, lights and tree stands beforehand, the agency said.
You can throw wreaths, garlands, mistletoe and other holiday greenery in the green bin as well.
Flocked trees, which have been covered with fake snow, and artificial trees are not accepted for organic waste disposal. These should be thrown away in the garbage bin instead.
How can I get rid of my Christmas tree in SLO? Morro Bay?
Waste Connections, which operates San Luis Garbage, South County Sanitary, Morro Bay Garbage and Mission Country Disposal, accepts natural Christmas trees in the green waste bin year-round.
Unflocked trees should be cut into lengths of 4 feet or shorter, and trunks must have a diameter of 6 inches or less, according to San Luis Garbage’s website.
All tinsel, lights and stands must be removed form the tree prior to pickup.
Trees must fit into the green bin with the lid fully closed on a regular pickup day.
If your tree exceeds the size limit, you can contact your service provider at 805-543-0875 and request an on-the-curb tree pickup for an extra fee.
Flocked trees or trees with decorations should be cut up and placed in the garbage cart with lids closed and flat, according to Waste Connections.
When will the trash truck pick up my tree in Paso Robles?
Paso Robles Waste and Recycle will collect Christmas trees from Monday, Dec. 30, through Sunday, Jan. 11.
The waste collection company is using an additional truck to pick up real, unflocked trees during the two week-period after Christmas.
Trees do not need to be sawed into smaller pieces unless they are taller than 6 feet.
You should remove decorations and stands before putting your tree on the curb.
Christmas trees should be placed next to the green waste container by 6 a.m. on your regular pickup day. The tree should be visible to drivers and not blocking any trash bins, according to its website.
Outside of this two-week period, trees must be cut up and placed in the green waste cart.
For more information, call Paso Robles Waste and Recycling at 805-238-2381.
What’s the best way to dispose of a holiday tree in Atascadero?
Atascadero Waste Management accepts old Christmas trees year-round as long as they fit into the green waste bin, a representative said.
The waste removal services provider said that any trees taller than 6 feet should be cut in half and disposed in the green waste cart on the curb on your regular service day.
If you can’t cut up your tree, call the Atascadero office at 805-466-3636 to schedule a pickup.
What about San Miguel?
San Miguel Garbage collects trees on normal service days through the second week of January, according to the company’s website.
Trees should be placed next to regular trash containers with the stands and decorations already removed.
For more information, call San Miguel Garbage at 805-467-9283.
What should I do with old Christmas lights? Wrapping paper?
Besides your Christmas tree, several items essential to holiday celebrations can be recycled.
Cardboard, envelopes, gift bags, gift boxes and greeting cards can all be tossed in the recycling bin, according to the county Integrated Waste Management Authority’s recycling guide.
Stickers, padded envelopes, tissue paper and most wrapping paper should be thrown in the trash can instead, the agency said.
You should place unwanted ornaments, tinsel, ribbon and tree stands in your garbage container as well, the city of San Luis Obispo said on its website.
Although you can’t toss holiday lights in your blue recycle bin, they can be recycled at a household hazardous waste facility in SLO County, the city said.
