IT”S TIME TO take down the Christmas tree.
Recycling and proper disposal varies, depending on where you live. Phone the disposal company that serves your area.
But one rule holds for all areas: Flocked trees normally can’t be recycled (except at the Lazy J Tree Farm, see below) and must be cut up and placed in the trash.
Trees aren’t the only recyclable holiday waste.
Some wrapping paper is recyclable (after removing the ribbons and bows) and nearly all cardboard can also be recycled rather than going into a landfill.
Here’s some more information on how tree disposal is handled in your area (we’ll add other agencies — phone our news desk at 360-417-3527 — as we’re notified):
• Port Angeles — Christmas trees will be collected curbside in the city of Port Angeles during the week beginning Jan. 10
Trees must be cut into 4-foot lengths, bundled and put out on regular garbage collection days without tinsel, flock or ornaments.
It is not necessary to be a yard waste subscriber to get this once-a-year free service.
“Each year we collect about 600 Christmas trees for composting,” said Helen Freilich, waste reduction specialist.
“This is a great service for our residential customers who need to get rid of their tree.”
• Sequim — The city of Sequim in the past has ground and composted Christmas trees for city residents at no charge at the city yard, but this service is not available this year, according to a city Public Works spokeswoman.
• Forks — No city recycling of Christmas trees.
• Clallam County — County residents can take trees to the yard debris area of the Regional Transfer Station at 3501 W. 18th St. in Port Angeles, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday for a fee of $5.
The trees are mixed with other yard debris and made into Garden Glory Compost, which the city sells for $20 per cubic yard with a one-yard minimum (prices are discounted as bigger quantities).
Residents of western Clallam County can take trees to West Waste Transfer Facility, 272 LaPush Road, Forks.
The transfer facility is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Thursday through Saturday.
Both transfer stations will be closed this Saturday, which is New Year’s Day.
For more information about recycling visit www.cityofpa.us or contact Freilich at 360-417-4874 or via e-mail at recycling@cityofpa.us.
n Jefferson County — On Saturday, Jan. 8, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Jefferson County residents can take Christmas trees (without tinsel, flock or ornaments) to the new Chimacum Corner Store at state Highway 19 and Center Road and have them recycled properly — and the service is free.
This one-day event is sponsored by the Chimacum Corner Store, Short’s Family Farm, the Chimacum Grange and Hadlock Building Supply.
• Lazy J — Another option for Christmas tree disposal is the Lazy J Tree Farm, 225 Gehrke Road in the Agnew area between Port Angeles and Sequim.
Owner Steve Johnson said he will grind and compost trees for free and welcomes the community to drop off trees during daylight hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) any day of the week.
“You didn’t have to buy your tree here to get it ground up here,” said Johnson.
Johnson said the trees must be free of ornaments, tinsel and any other foreign objects — but they can be flocked.
From U.S. Highway 101, turn at the intersection next to the State Patrol office (62 Old Olympic Highway) and go east on Old Olympic Highway to Wild Currant, then go north to Gehrke. Phone: 360-457-5950.
