Now that Christmas is over, what is one to do with the decorated trees that will soon begin to dry and shed?
Venues in both Jefferson and Clallam counties will accept the trees for recycling into compost.
Within the city limit of both Port Townsend and Port Angeles, trees will be picked up in early January.
Drop sites are available in Port Angeles, Sequim and at the Jefferson County Landfill.
Primary among the requirements to prepare a tree for recycling is to remove all of the ornaments, said Helen Freilich, recycling manager for the city of Port Angeles.
“Obviously all of the tinsel, ornaments and the stand must be removed,” she said.
“It also has to be a live tree to be recycled at the compost facility.
“I think most people know it, but some people have put out the artificial ones for pickup.
“It has to be a live tree.”
People also can chop up the tree and use it for wood for a fireplace, or other uses, said Frank Gifford, Jefferson County public works director.
“We’ve collected historically for years,” Gifford said.
“People cannot burn the trees outside within the city limits, but they can always chip them and compost them as another option.”
