How can I get rid of my Christmas tree in Modesto? Here’s what the city says to do
Once the holiday season comes to an end, you may be searching for a way to dispose of your old Christmas tree.
Modesto city crews begin collecting Christmas trees during the month of January.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Christmas tree collection program:
How do I get rid of my Christmas tree in Modesto?
As part of the city’s green waste collection system, customers of Gilton Solid Waste Management and Bertolotti Disposal can get rid of old Christmas trees at no extra cost.
People disposing of untreated, real Christmas trees should remove all tree stands, rods and decorations, including tinsel and ornaments. Residents should also cut their tree in half if it is larger than 6 feet tall.
To ensure pickup of your Christmas tree, you can place it on the curbside of your residence to be collected.
Residents also can dispose of a tree by cutting it up and putting it in a green waste can, the city website states.
“Collected trees are composted at the city’s compost facility,” the city said.
Trees treated with flocking, paint or fireproofing cannot be composted and will not be collected by city crews.
“Flocked, painted or fireproofed trees may be cut up and placed in your black garbage container or taken to the nearest transfer station,” the city said on its website. Modesto residents can contact their local trash hauler about nearby transfer stations.
For the disposal of plastic or other fake trees, you can schedule a bulky item collection appointment with your waste disposal company. Place your faux Christmas tree curbside after 6 p.m. the night before the appointment.
When will the city pick up my Christmas tree?
Diana Ruiz Del-Re, a spokeswoman for the city, said Christmas trees will be picked up throughout the month of January.
“There is a set schedule,” she said. “Residents are encouraged to visit our city website to see what day their organics bin collection will be.”
Modesto residents can check the schedule to see when city crews will pick up in their neighborhoods.
This story was originally published December 27, 2023 at 12:43 PM with the headline "How can I get rid of my Christmas tree in Modesto? Here’s what the city says to do."
