West Seattle Christmas-tree recycling: Here’s how to do it

| Environment | Holidays | West Seattle news

Unless you are keeping your tree up through the Epiphany – or oh, say, the Super Bowl – it’s go-time. So here are some reminders about tree-cycling, if you haven’t accomplished it already. Via the city – this is your second and final week to tree-cycle for free. (From Seattle Public Utilities:

(Curbside residential pickup:) Trees must be trimmed to 6 feet or shorter. Trim branches to less than four feet to fit into the collection trucks. Bundle each section with sisal string or twine (not plastic). Decorated, flocked and plastic trees are not recyclable and will be charged as extra garbage.

At Apartments – One tree may be placed next to each food/yard waste cart at no extra charge each collection day.

At Recycling & Disposal Stations – Clean trees can be taken for free (see hours and locations). Trees should not exceed eight feet in length and must be free of decoration. Trunks should not exceed four inches in diameter. The stations will accept up to three trees per vehicle.

The station closest to West Seattle is the South Transfer Station in South Park.

One more option – a local nonprofit youth group has a tree-cycling event next weekend: The West Seattle Rainbow Girls will hold their fifth annual Christmas tree recycle fundraiser Saturday (January 7) at the Alki Masonic Hall, 4736 40th SW, 10 am-2 pm. Suggested donation $5. No flocked trees. For more information, contact Jan Hunter at 206-849-7906. (The Rainbow Girls are also one of two groups with tree-cycling fundraisers in Burien next weekend; if you’re interested in that info, it’s in our White Center Now tree-cycling roundup.)

TJ January 2, 2012 (9:45 pm)

So today was the last day for those of us with Monday pickups to ditch the tree by leaving it out? Hardly seems realistic.

Mike January 2, 2012 (9:57 pm)

I’m just happy they picked up my recycling for the first time in a month. I get a rebate check for when they failed to pick it up right?… right?…….

Jasperblu January 3, 2012 (5:28 am)

Local NPR station said thru 1/8, which is exactly 2 weeks from 12/25. And also, a Sunday. So yup. This is the last week for curbside collection. You can also cut your tree into smaller pieces and place it in your yard or planter beds for natural weed control & (eventual) mulch. The birds & bugs will love it, and so will your plants. Now if I could just muster up the energy to go hack up my tree into more manageable sized pieces… Anyone have an electric saw I can borrow?

Jay January 3, 2012 (5:45 am)

Jasperblu – the WS tool library has saws, electric chainsaws, and even a chipper available to borrow. I think they have some big loppers as well. Open Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

TJ January 3, 2012 (6:14 am)

Thanks blu. That’s kind of cheap since yesterday was 8 days after Christmas, not two weeks, and who throws the tree out by 6am the day after Christmas?

KBear January 3, 2012 (9:03 am)

I don’t see what the big deal is, since you have ALL YEAR to cut up your tree and put it out with the yard waste.

WSB January 3, 2012 (9:17 am)

Last time we tried that … it just sat out there and turned a lovely shade of brown over the ensuing months. Convenience factor.
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Anyway, SPU reiterates in response to my inquiry that yes, January 8th is the last day for intact trees (as long as they fit the parameters):
http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2012/01/03/free-tree-composting-ends-soon/
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So if you have Monday pickup, but don’t want to have to chop up the tree, your remaining options are to take it to the Transfer Station (we’ve done that in years past), which will take it for free through this Sunday, or to the Rainbow Girls’ treecycling event on Saturday … TR

Jasperblu January 3, 2012 (10:26 am)

Thanks @Jay re: WS Tool Library tip. I’ll consider that if the city doesn’t pick up my tree today. It’s been laying out on my nice wet grass since Sunday night.
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It’s just about 6′ tall and probably less than 4′ wide… I don’t remember them having a problem w/ my tree last year or the year before, so crossing fingers and toes they won’t this year either. Besides, I don’t think my weak girlie arms can handle sawing that sucker up all by myself (Halp! Damsel in distress! HAHAHA.).
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:)

SPU January 3, 2012 (12:40 pm)

After January 8, trees can be set out for collection next to food and yard carts for an extra charge of $4.45, or, if they fit inside the carts (with the lid down), at no additional cost.

RainyDay1235 January 4, 2012 (11:31 am)

Crud, this morning was our pickup and I just saw this!

Leslie B January 8, 2012 (10:22 am)

It says on the website that they will pick up trees after January 8 for a charge for $4.45.

Grace G January 10, 2012 (2:24 pm)

I’m just taking down my tree –any ideas on the best way to get rid of it? Bon fire on Alki?

WSB January 10, 2012 (2:45 pm)

You can take it to the South Transfer Station, though I believe they will now charge yard-waste fees .. you can cut it up and put it in yard waste bin or bag for pickup … or apparently if it’s no more than 8′, you can put it out for pickup and be charged just over $4. – TR