Clark County Public Health is urging residents to recycle their Christmas trees rather than sending them to the landfill.
“Recycled Christmas trees are chipped into mulch, giving trees a second life in gardens and returning nutrients back to the soil,” said Tina Kendall, senior environmental outreach specialist, in a press release.
All lights, tinsel, wire, ornaments and stands must be removed before trees can be recycled. Flocked and artificial trees cannot be recycled but artificial trees in good condition may be donated to thrift stores or through buy-nothing groups.
Waste Connections will pick up trees from customers with yard debris or organics collection for recycling. Taller trees must be cut into pieces no longer than 5 feet. Customers can place tree pieces inside or next to their yard debris or organics cart for pickup on their scheduled service day. An additional fee applies if the tree is in addition to a full yard debris or organics cart.
Residents can also recycle trees of any size for a small fee (typically $5 or less) at several locations in Vancouver and Camas. For locations, go to https://clark.wa.gov/public-health/reduce-holiday-waste-recycling-christmas-trees.
