Most Tree Recycling Begins Jan. 3

By Amber Lester Kennedy Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Enjoy the fresh smell and twinkling lights of your Christmas tree a few more days. Most Historic Triangle localities won’t start picking up trees for recycling until Monday.

James City County has accepted Christmas trees at its three convenience centers in Toano, Jolly Pond Road and Tewning Road since Dec. 26 and will continue to accept the trees until Jan. 31. The service is free of charge.

Williamsburg will collect Christmas Trees on Jan. 3 and Jan. 10. Trees must be placed curbside before 7 a.m. The trees, once picked up, are ground into mulch for use by the city’s Landscaping Department. For more information, contact public works at (757) 220-6140 or publicworks@williamsburgva.gov.

In York County, tree recycling will begin Jan. 3 and extend to Jan. 14. All York County residents are encouraged to leave their trees curbside for pick-up by 7 a.m. on Monday. The tree pickup date won’t necessarily coincide with residents’ regular trash pickup, so there is no guarantee of what date trees will be picked up in certain neighborhoods. After Jan. 14, trees can only be collected if citizens request a bulk item pickup. Residents can also bring their trees to the VPPSA Compost Facility at 145 Goodwin Neck Road. For more information, call (757) 890-3780.

Before recycling a Christmas tree, be sure to remove tree stands, garlands, ornaments and other decorations.