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Creating Solutions for Our Future

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:     December 19, 2007

Contact:       Michelle Andrews, (360)754-3355 ext. 7676

Christmas Tree Recycle Options

OLYMPIA -- Thurston County residents recycle approximately 80 tons of Christmas trees each year.  After these trees are collected, they are turned into compost or used for energy recovery.

Even flocked trees are recyclable. Decorations and twine needs to be removed from all trees prior to recycling.  Trees over six feet tall need to be cut it in half prior to being set at the curb. Apartment residents should check with property managers for tree locations, or use a drop-off site listed below.

Citizens with live trees (with root ball) can donate them to cities or non-profit groups such as Wolf Haven.  Artificial trees in good condition can be donated to Goodwill.

The following are the tree recycle opportunities in Thurston County . 

County residents can recycle their tree for free Dec. 26 through Jan. 13 (except Jan. 1) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Waste and Recovery Center at 2418 Hogum Bay Road NE , Lacey. 

Lacey residents should place their tree at the curb by 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7.  Keep trees away from roadway, and don’t stack on street corners.  Don’t place trees within 5 feet of garbage cans.  For more information call 491-3214. 

Olympia garbage service customers should place trees in their garbage pickup locations.  Customers with Thursday or Friday service should put trees out by 6 a.m. on Jan. 12.  Those with Tuesday or Wednesday service should place trees outside by 6 a.m. on Jan. 19.  For more information call 753-8368 or TTY 753-8270 or visit www.olympiawa.gov

Rainier residents can place trees at the curb on their garbage day Jan. 2 through Jan. 18.  For more information call 446-2265.  County residents can drop off their trees for free at Rainier Transfer Station, 13010 Rainier Acres Road, Dec. 28 through Jan. 26 during operating hours (Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Rochester and other county residents can drop off their tree for free at the Rochester Transfer Station at 16500 Sargent Road Dec. 29 through Jan.29 during operating hours (Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). 

Tumwater residents should place their trees out by 8 a.m. on Jan. 7.  Single family households should place trees at the nearest street corner.  For more information call 754-4150.

Tenino residents may take trees to the corner of McClellan Street and Sussex Avenue Dec. 25 through Jan. 12.  For more information call 264-2368. 

Yelm residents may place trees in a designated bin at Yelm City Park (State Route 507 and Mosman Avenue ) between Dec. 26 and Jan. 13. 

Bill McTurnal Enterprises, located at 721 Kamilche Lane in Shelton will accept trees for free until March 1, 2008 during daylight hours.  For more information call 866-4594.

Pacific Disposal yard waste customers:  Place trees at normal yard waste pick-up location.  Pacific Disposal will also pick up trees from non-yard waste customers at regular garbage rates.  For more information call 923-0111.