Submitted by Thurston County Board of Commissioners
When the holidays wind down and the decorations get packed away, it’s time to figure out what to do with the Christmas tree. This season, free tree collection and drop-off opportunities are available county-wide.
To prepare your tree for recycling, please remove all ornaments, lights, stands, nails, and tinsel prior to drop off. Flocked trees are accepted.
Drop-off Locations
All Thurston County residents: Trees are accepted at the Waste and Recovery Center located at 2420 Hogum Bay Road NE in Lacey from December 26 – January 14 (closed January 1). Open Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; entrance gates close at 4:45 p.m. daily.
Rainier residents: Take trees to the Rainier Drop Box Facility at 13010 Rainier Acres Road from December 29 – January 14. The facility is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Rochester residents: Take trees to the Rochester Drop Box Facility at 16500 Sargent Road from December 26 – January 14. The facility is open Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tenino residents: Trees are accepted at 418 S. Wichman Street from December 26 – January 15.
Yelm residents: Place trees in the designated tree dumpsters at Yelm City Park located at SR 507 and Mosman Avenue anytime from December 29 – January 15, or until the dumpsters are full.
Pick Up Information
LeMay yard/food waste customers: Place trees in or near your yard/food waste cart (cut into sections of 3 feet or less). Call 360-923-0111 for additional information.
City of Olympia garbage customers: Place trees in your organics bin pick up location. For customers with Tuesday/Wednesday service, tree pick up is January 6. For those with Thursday/Friday service, pick up is January 13. Place tree in regular pick up spot by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day. Trees over 6 feet must be cut in half. If you have questions, contact the City of Olympia’s Waste ReSources at 360-753-8310.
City of Lacey residents: Local Boy Scouts will provide curbside pick-up of holiday trees on Saturday, January 6, for residents within Lacey city limits. Trees must be placed curbside in front of homes by 8:00 a.m. Donations to the Boy Scouts can be made online at troop222wa.org, or mailed to BSA Troop 222, PO Box 5379, Lacey, WA 98509. For more information, contact the City of Lacey’s Public Affairs Department at 360-491-3214 or publicaffairs@ci.lacey.wa.us.
City of Tumwater residents: Place trees at the nearest street corner by 7:00 a.m. on January 8. Be careful not to block traffic signs, or driver and pedestrian access or visibility. Call the city at 360-754-4150 for additional information.
Multi-family complex residents: Check with your property manager for tree placement locations.
