When it’s time to undeck the halls, Clark County Public Health urges 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.

Before trees are recycled, all lights, tinsel, wire, ornaments and stands must be removed. Flocked and artificial trees cannot be recycled and should be placed in the garbage. 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 the following locations:

• Central Transfer and Recycling, 11034 NE 117th Ave., 360.256.8482
• City Bark, 2419 NE Andresen Road, 360.253.8461
• H&H Wood Recyclers, 8401 NE 117th Ave., 360.892.2805
• McFarlane's Bark, 8806 NE 117th Ave., 360.892.6125
• Triangle Resources, 612 SE Union St., Camas, 360.834.7253
• West Van Materials Recovery Center, 6601 NW Old Lower River Road, 360.737.1727

Scouts BSA will collect trees for recycling in many areas of Clark County on Saturday, Jan. 7. The service is free, but donations will be accepted. Flyers will be distributed in neighborhoods where pickup is available.  

Waste Connections customers who do not have yard debris or organics service can put cut trees next to their garbage containers and pay for an extra 32-gallon collection. Trees collected with garbage will be sent to the landfill and won’t be recycled.

For more information on holiday recycling, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website.