Recycling options available for Christmas trees

King County suggests recycling your Christmas tree, rather than throwing it in the garbage. Doing so could save you money, is better for the environment, and will leave more room for the types of garbage that really need to be safely disposed of in King County’s Cedar Hills Regional Landfill.

The King County Solid Waste Division suggests the following options for disposing of your Christmas tree:

• Curbside - Residents will be able to recycling their trees during regular curbside yard waste collection. Restrictions vary and people should contact their city or garbage hauler for more information.
  
• City tree-cycling events - Many cities in King County provide tree-cycling events, during which residents can drop off their trees for recycling. Check out King County's current tree-cycling calendar to find out whether your city sponsors a tree-cycling event at www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/calendar/calendar.asp?PID=10.
  
• Private companies - There are several private yard waste facilities in King County that will accept Christmas trees for recycling. King County's "What Do I Do With...?" Web site provides more information. Go to: www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/ for a list of private companies that accept Christmas trees. In many cases, these recycling options are less expensive than disposal.
  
• Fundraising events - A number of community groups sponsor holiday tree-cycling fundraising events. For a modest donation, they will deliver your tree to a commercial recycler. Look for flyers in your neighborhood around the holidays. By participating in these events, you can help the environment and support a worthy cause at the same time.

For more information, call the King County Solid Waste Division, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 206-296-4466 or toll free, at 1-800-325-6165, ext. 6-4466, TTY Relay: 711 or visit the Web site at www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/.