Taking down your Christmas tree in Modesto? Here’s how to get rid of it
The new year is right around the corner.
Christmas lights are starting to come down and ornaments are being packed away across Modesto.
Searching for a way to get rid of your old Christmas tree?
Here’s what you need to know about Modesto’s Christmas tree collection program:
How can I get rid of my Christmas tree in Modesto?
According to the city of Modesto’s website, two franchised garbage collection companies serve the area.
The city of Modesto partners with Gilton Solid Waste Management and Bertolotti Disposal Service for trash, recycling and green waste collection — including Christmas trees.
If you’re a customer of either hauler, you can dispose of a real, untreated tree at no extra cost, according to the city website.
Starting in January, city crews will begin picking up Christmas trees as part of regular green waste collection throughout Modesto.
If you’re unsure which service area you’re in or when to set out your green waste, you can check the city’s website for your scheduled pickup day.
When will the city pickup my Christmas tree?
Christmas tree pickup will take place throughout January on a set schedule.
Modesto residents should check the city’s website to find out which day green waste and organics collection happens in their neighborhood, a city spokesperson previously told The Modesto Bee.
What do I need to do before my Christmas tree pickup?
Before setting out your Christmas tree, be sure to remove the stand, metal rods and all decorations, including lights, tinsel and ornaments.
Trees that still have these items attached will not be collected by city crews, according to the city website.
You can place the tree at the curb for pickup or put it in your green waste container
“Untreated trees may also be cut in pieces to fit in your organics container,” the city said on its website.
If your tree is taller than 6 feet, cut it in half.
“Collected trees are composted at the city’s compost facility,” the city said.
Will the city take flocked or fake Christmas trees?
According to the city of Modesto, Christmas trees that have been flocked, painted or treated with fireproofing cannot be composted and will not be picked up by city crews.
That includes trees covered in artificial snow.
“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.
If you have an artificial or plastic Christmas tree, the city said, you should contact your solid waste hauler to schedule a bulky item pickup.
Place your artificial tree at the curb after 6 p.m. the night before your scheduled collection.
