Throwing out your Christmas tree? Here’s how to get rid of it in SLO County
Wondering what to do with your dry, needle-dropping Christmas tree?
As the holiday season comes to an end, it’s time to start thinking about taking down decorations and tossing out your evergreen trees. Some waste collection companies in San Luis Obispo County have already started picking up old Christmas trees.
Most have specific deadlines and rules for trash pickup, so make sure to check with your local provider.
Here are the rules around recycling your holiday tree across the county:
Can I toss my Christmas tree in the garbage?
Most local garbage and recycling service providers will accept real Christmas trees if they are thrown away in the green organics waste bin, according to the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority.
If you do not already have an organic waste container, you can also drop off your holiday tree for recycling at any landfill or transfer station in the county, though these facilities may charge a fee, the authority said.
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 natural 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 or donated to a local thrift store instead, according to the waste management authority.
How can I throw out 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 all natural Christmas trees in the green waste bin.
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, decorations 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.
“This service is provided at no extra cost to the customer,” Waste Connections said.
If your tree exceeds the size limit, you can contact your service provider at 805-543-0875 to request an on-the-curb tree pickup for an extra fee.
If you’re trying to dispose of a flocked tree or trees with decorations, you should treat it as garbage, according to Waste Connections. You should cut it up and place it in the garbage bin with lids closed and flat, the company said.
When will the garbage truck collect my tree in Paso Robles?
Paso Robles Waste and Recycle will pick up undecorated Christmas trees on the curb from Monday, Dec. 29, through Friday, Jan. 9.
The waste collection company is using an additional truck to collect real, unflocked trees during the two week-period after Christmas.
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 the agency’s website.
Trees do not need to be sawed into smaller pieces unless they are taller than 6 feet.
All decorations, lights and stands should be taken off before putting your tree on the curb.
Flocked trees will not be accepted since they can’t be composted, the company said.
Outside this two-week period, natural trees must be cut up and placed in the green waste cart, Paso Robles Waste and Recycle said.
For more information, call Paso Robles Waste and Recycle at 805-238-2381.
How to dispose of a holiday tree in Atascadero
Atascadero Waste Management takes natural holiday trees year-round as long as they fit into the green waste bin with the lid closed tightly.
“Overflow and materials outside may be subject to additional charge or will not be collected,” Atascadero Waste Management said on its website.
Christmas trees that fit in the green waste cart will be disposed as long as the bin is rolled to the curb by 6 a.m. on your regular service day.
If you can’t cut up your tree or your tree is too large, you can schedule a bulky item pickup online.
Can I recycle my Christmas tree in San Miguel?
San Miguel Garbage picks up holiday trees on normal service days from the day after Christmas 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 holiday lights? Wrapping paper?
Several other essential holiday items can be recycled as well.
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, according to the agency.
As for holiday lights, they must be recycled at one of the county’s household hazardous waste facilities, the county’s waste management authority said.
