Taking down your Christmas tree? Here’s how to get rid of it in Modesto
As the holiday season comes to a close, you may be searching for a way to get rid of your old Christmas tree.
Modesto residents can dispose of their trees starting in January when city crews start collecting unwanted evergreens.
Here’s everything you need to know about Modesto’s Christmas tree collection program:
How do I get rid of my Christmas tree in Modesto?
The city of Modesto contracts with Gilton Solid Waste Management and Bertolotti Disposal Service for all solid waste and recycling collection services — including green waste disposal.
Customers of these companies can get rid of real, untreated Christmas trees at no extra cost.
Before you toss your tree in the organic waste container, remove all tree stands, rods and decorations, including tinsel and ornaments.
“Trees cannot be picked up by city crews if these items have not been removed,” the city said on its website.
You should also cut your tree in half if it is more than 6 feet tall.
Place your old Christmas tree on the curb of your residence to be collected, or cut it up and put it in your green waste can.
“Collected trees are composted at the city’s compost facility,” the city said.
What about flocked or fake trees?
“Trees with flocking, paint or fireproofing cannot be composted and will not be collected by city crews,” the city of Modesto said on its website.
In other words, any tree topped with fake snow is a no-no for recycling.
You can cut up your flocked, painted or fireproofed tree and place it in your black garbage container, the city said, or take to the nearest transfer station.
To get rid of a fake or plastic Christmas tree, contact your solid waste hauler to schedule an appointment for bulky item collection.
Place your fake tree out in the street after 6 p.m. the night before your scheduled pickup.
When will the city pick up my Christmas tree?
Diana Ruiz Del-Re, a spokeswoman for the city, told The Modesto Bee in 2023 that 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.
