Here’s how to recycle your Christmas tree in San Luis Obispo County
Christmas came and went, and now it’s time to remove decorations as you move into the new year. But where do you put your dying Christmas tree?
You may be tempted to keep your tree to preserve the memories — or that pine scent — but fire authorities say a dry tree can be a fire hazard.
Some San Luis Obispo County trash services have already begun accepting the trees to recycle, and those that haven’t will begin in the new year.
Most have deadlines, so if you want an easy way to dispose of your tree, make sure to check your trash provider to see when they will no longer take them.
Here is a roundup of where, when and how to recycle your Christmas tree across SLO County.
General rules for recycling your Christmas tree
Some general rules first, most community garbage and recycling service providers will accept Christmas trees in the green waste cart only, according to the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA). If you do not have a green bin, you can contact your trash services provider to schedule a pickup.
According to the IWMA, you should also cut your tree into 4 foot or shorter lengths, with no tree parts greater than 6 inches in diameter, unless otherwise specified.
The green waste cart’s lid must be able to shut, the IWMA said.
Tinsel, ribbons, stands and all other decorations must be removed, and flocked trees, or trees with fake snow, are not accepted at all.
Chicago Grade Landfill, Cold Canyon Landfill, Santa Maria Transfer Station, Paso Robles Landfill and North County Recycling also accept Christmas trees for recycling, according to IWMA. Fees apply.
Atascadero Waste Management
Atascadero Waste Management will pick up Christmas trees for recycling between Dec. 26 and Jan. 12.
The trash services provider asks that all trees should be cut in half and placed in their green waste bin on the curb on the regular service day.
For trees that can’t be cut up, you should call the Atascadero office at 805-466-3636 to schedule a pickup.
Multi-family complexes should contact for special pickup once they have five or more trees that need to be recycled. Atascadero Waste Management
MidState Solid Waste
MidState Solid Waste, which serves Templeton and some other unincorporated North County areas, sold its operations to Waste Management in November, Peter Cron, executive director for the IWMA, told The Tribune. He said most people will not see a noticeable change in their service.
Waste Management will be picking up Christmas trees year-round as long as they fit into the green waste bin. Trees must be cut into 4 foot pieces, be unflocked and undecorated, and have a trunk diameter of 6 inches or less. The tree must be able to fit in the bin with the lid closed for pickup on a normal collection day.
If your tree does not fit into the bin, you can call (805) 434-9112 to schedule a curbside pickup for an additional fee.
Paso Robles Waste and Recycle
Paso Robles Waste and Recycle will collect Christmas trees Jan. 1 through Jan. 12.
According to the service, an extra truck is run specifically for live, undecorated and unflocked trees for the two weeks following Christmas, and during this time, trees do not need to be cut into smaller pieces unless they are taller than 6 feet. Stands should be removed as well.
Trees should be placed next to the cart, not in the green waste cart, by 6 a.m. on your regular pickup day. Make sure the tree is visible for drivers and not blocking a trash cart.
Outside of this two-week period, trees need to be cut down to fit within the green waste cart.
For further information, call Paso Robles Waste and Recycling at 805-238-2381.
San Miguel Garbage
San Miguel Garbage collects Christmas trees on normal pickup days through the second week of January, according to the San Miguel Community Services District’s website.
Stands and decorations should be removed. Trees should be placed next to regular trash containers.
For more information, call San Miguel Garbage at 805-467-9283.
Waste Connections
Waste Connections, which connects Mission Country Disposal (North Coast), Morro Bay Garbage, San Luis Garbage and South County Sanitary, accepts Christmas trees in green waste bins, similar to Waste Management operations in Templeton.
Trees should be cut into 4 foot or shorter lengths and the trunk must have a diameter of 6 inches or less. Trees must fit into the green bin with the lid closed on a regular pickup day.
If you do not have a green waste collection or need to schedule a pickup for a tree that exceeds the sizes, contact your service provider at 805-543-0875.
Christmas trees not in a bin and placed on the curb are subject to additional fees.
