Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager, 509.625.7773
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 10:22 a.m.
Update 1/6/22:
Due to the weather, the City has suspended Christmas tree collection for Thursday, Jan. 6. The service will be extended through Friday, Jan. 14.
Original Release:
The holidays are coming up soon and the City is ready to help you clean up when the season is over. Residents have several options to recycle their trees, and there are tips to dispose of ribbons, tags, boxes, and bags.
The City’s Solid Waste Collection Department will offer free curbside pickup for its customers beginning Monday, Dec. 27, through Friday, Jan. 7. Once the decorations are removed, residents can place their fresh-cut trees (trunks no bigger than three inches in diameter) at least three feet away from the refuse and recycling carts on their regularly scheduled garbage pickup days. No artificial or flocked trees are accepted through this service.
The City will accept trees up to six feet in height; if they’re taller than that, cut them in half. Loose branches may be bundled next to the tree not to exceed six feet in length. Trees collected curbside will be chipped and composted. For information, call the City at 3-1-1 (or 509.755.2489 if calling outside the City).
City and County residents also can take their undecorated, unflocked trees for disposal to:
Again, trees taller than six feet should be cut in half. Trees taken to these facilities are subject to the minimum charge for clean green disposal; they will be composted. For more information, call the Recycling Hotline at 477-6800. The facilities are closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Residents also should watch for opportunities to dispose of trees and help a good cause. Scouts, school groups, and other charitable organizations will dispose of trees for a donation.
Meanwhile, much holiday packaging material is recyclable and can go into blue recycling carts. Gift wrap, except for metallic foil paper and cellophane, is recyclable, along with cardboard boxes and wrapping paper rolls. Styrofoam, plastic bags, plastic wrap, gift bags, and tissue paper should go in the brown refuse carts.
Reminder, because of the Saturday Christmas and New Year’s holidays, City of Spokane garbage pickup and curbside recycling will proceed on a normal schedule. The Waste to Energy facility and transfer stations will be closed on Saturdays, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
