Like so many trappings of the giving season, your tree can enjoy a second reincarnation. Empty boxes make amazing forts, leftovers are merrily transformed into tomorrow’s soup and sandwiches, and that rogue fruitcake can be re-gifted…yet again.
The National Christmas Tree Association estimates that “there are approximately 25-30 million Real Christmas Trees sold in the U.S. every year.” Once the holidays are over, they encourage families to recycle their tree, an easy option throughout Thurston County. Nationwide trees have been mulched into park trails and pathways, used for salmon habitat, and even rebuilt damaged wetlands and eroding coastlines.
City of Lacey Residents
If you live within Lacey city limits, place your cleaned tree on the curb Saturday, January 7 before 8:00 a.m. It will then be picked up by members, leaders, and volunteers with local Boy Scout Troops 101, 222, and 266 as part of their annual Holiday Tree Roundup in partnership with LeMay/Pacific Disposal.
“Troop 222 has been assisting with this event for 5 years,” says John Tulloch, one of this year’s organizers. “Over the past couple of years, we have picked up on average about 1,200-1,500 trees to be recycled. Total service hours between all the troops involved is an average of 875-900 hours. That includes handing out door hangers and the day of picking up the trees. It is a great opportunity for Scouts to give back to their community and work with Scouts from different troops. They are able to learn the value of serving their community and look forward to this project every year. We look forward to working with City of Lacey in the years to come.”
Boy Scouts Troops 222, 101, and 266 conduct the tree pick-up as a community service. Tulloch encourages Lacey residents to consider making a donation to the local Boy Scouts for their generous help. Donations are accepted online or by mail. Checks payable to BSA Troop 222 can be mailed to P.O. Box 5379, Lacey, WA 98509. Please do not include donations on the tree for security purposes.
LeMay Yard Waste Customers
Existing LeMay yard waste customers should cut their trees into 3-foot sections and place it near the compost cart on normal pick-up day. For questions or to enroll in this service, call 360-923-0111.
City of Olympia Residents
Olympia homes should put their tree out by 6:00 a.m. Saturday, January 7 if they have Tuesday/Wednesday service or Saturday, January 14 if they have Thursday/Friday service.
Additional Thurston County Christmas Tree Recycling Options
The Thurston County Public Works Department addresses other cities as well.
- City of Tumwater residents can place trees at the nearest street corner by 8:00 a.m. January 9-13.
- Tenino residents can take trees to 418 S. Wichman St S. from December 25 to January 15.
- Yelm residents can take trees to Yelm City Park anytime from December 26 to January 10.
- Shelton residents can take trees to Bill McTurnal Enterprises at 721 Kamilche Lance from December 28 to January 15 during daylight hours. On weekends, leave trees by the closed gate.”
Don’t want to wait for pick-up? Bring your tree to Concrete Recyclers Inc in Tumwater until January 31 or the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center in Lacey through January 14. Both of these locations accept clean trees for mulching at no charge.
Options for Next Year: Rent a Tree
Want to go green with next year’s greenery? Consider renting a tree from the Stream Team conservation crew. Tree orders typically begin in early December to be picked up in the days before Christmas. After Christmas, simply return the potted evergreen within the first week of January so it can be planted next to local salmon spawning streams and wetlands.
Costs are typically under $50 and planted trees weigh approximately 75 pounds. If you have the space—and a strong back—you’ll keep our state living up to its emerald reputation.
Many of the organizations listed above also accept other recyclables. Read up on specific items accepted, fees, directions, and contact information on the Thurston County Solid Waste Program webpage.
Seasons, like life, are cyclical. Let your tree go from outdoors to inside and back to nature thanks to the gift of recycling.
