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How to dispose of your Christmas tree

Christmas trees disposed at the Chicago Grade landfill in Templeton. Tinsel, flocking and tree stands are not allowed in the recycled green waste.
Christmas trees disposed at the Chicago Grade landfill in Templeton. Tinsel, flocking and tree stands are not allowed in the recycled green waste. dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com

Once it’s time to take down that Christmas tree, San Luis Obispo County residents have a number of options for recycling or disposing of it.

Residents may have their Christmas tree picked up as part of normal trash pickup. Some trash providers will also schedule a tree pickup on a non-normal trash pickup day through early January. For more information, contact your trash service provider.

The San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority asks residents to cut trees into 4-foot or smaller lengths, and remove any tinsel or stands. Flocked trees and tree parts that are more than 6 inches in diameter will not be accepted. Tree parts should be placed in the home’s green waste can no later than 6 a.m. on the resident’s regular collection day.

Trash service providers and their contact information are listed below:

  • Atascadero Waste Alternatives; 466-3636.
  • Mission Country Disposal, 528-7430, for residents in Baywood Park, Los Osos and Morro Bay; 927-4995, for Cambria and San Simeon residents; and 995-0817 for Cayucos.
  • Mid-State Solid Waste and Recycling, 434-9112 or 1-800-369-1055, for residents in Creston, Pozo, Santa Margarita and select areas of Templeton.
  • Paso Robles Waste Disposal, 238-2381, for residents in Paso Robles and select areas of Templeton.
  • San Luis Obispo Garbage, 543-0875.
  • San Miguel Garbage, 467-9283, for residents in Heritage Ranch, Oak Shores, San Miguel and Shandon.
  • South County Sanitary, 489-4246, for residents in Arroyo Grande, Avila Beach, Grover Beach, Nipomo, Oceano and Pismo Beach.

County residents also can drop off their Christmas trees at designated locations listed below:

Cold Canyon Landfill

Located about 6 miles south of the city of San Luis Obispo on Highway 227. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For information, call 549-8332.

Chicago Grade Landfill

Located in Templeton off Highway 41. Open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, call 466-2985.

Paso Robles Landfill

Located 8.5 miles east of Paso Robles off Highway 46 East. Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For information, call 238-2028.

Santa Maria Transfer Station

Located just north of the Santa Barbara County line at 325 Cuyama Lane in Nipomo. Open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All drop-offs are transported to the Chicago Grade Landfill. For information, call 922-9255.

This story was originally published December 25, 2015 at 11:32 AM with the headline "How to dispose of your Christmas tree."

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