Kirstin Davis - (509) 625-7773
Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 1:04 p.m.
Now that the gifts have been opened, it’s time to clean up and the City is ready to help you. Residents have several options to recycle their trees, and here are tips on disposing of paper, bows, ribbons, and boxes. Read the City’s Holiday Guide to learn more.
The City’s Solid Waste Collection Department will offer free curbside pickup for its customers beginning Tuesday, Jan. 2, through Friday. Jan. 12. 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 509-477-6800. The facilities are closed 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, some 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 Monday New Year’s Day holiday, City of Spokane garbage pickup and curbside recycling be a day late the week of Jan. 1. Beginning in 2024, curbside services need to be put out by 6 a.m. The Waste to Energy facility and transfer stations will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 1.
