Submitted by Thurston County Public Works
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 (WARC) located at 2420 Hogum Bay Road NE in Lacey from Thursday, December 26, to Sunday, January 12. The WARC is open Monday–Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The WARC will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, for the New Year’s holiday.
Rainier residents: Take trees to the Rainier Drop Box Facility at 13010 Rainier Acres Road from Friday, December 27, to Sunday, January 12. The Rainier Drop Box Facility is open Friday–Sunday only, 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 Saturday, December 28, to Sunday, January 12. The Rochester Drop Box Facility is open Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday only, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Tenino residents: Residents can take trees to 418 S. Wichman Street from Friday, December 27, to Saturday, January 18.
Yelm residents: Residents can place trees in a designated dumpster at Yelm City Park anytime from Thursday, December 26 to Friday, January 10, or until the dumpster is full.
Pick Up Information
LeMay yard/food waste customers: Place your tree in or near your yard/food waste cart (in sections 3 feet or less). Extra fee(s) apply for customers not signed up for yard/food waste collection. Call LeMay at (360) 923-0111 for more information.
City of Lacey residents: Local Boy Scouts will provide curbside pick-up of holiday trees on Saturday, January 4, for residents within Lacey city limits. Trees must have all decorations removed and be placed curbside in front of homes by 8:00 a.m. The Boy Scouts accept donations for this community service, which can be made online at www.troop222wa.org, or BSA Troop 222, PO Box 5379, Lacey, WA 98509. For more information, contact Lacey Public Affairs at (360) 491-3214 or publicaffairs@ci.lacey.wa.us.
City of Olympia garbage customers: For customers with Tuesday/Wednesday service, tree pickup will be on Saturday, January 4. For Thursday/Friday service, pickup will be on Saturday, January 11. Place tree in regular pickup spot by 6:00 a.m. Trees over 6 feet must be cut in half. Call City of Olympia at (360) 753-8340 for more information.
City of Tumwater residents: Residents may place undecorated trees behind the curb near their closest main intersection beginning Monday, January 13. Please be sure to keep sidewalks, bike lanes, and roadways clear when dropping off trees. It may take several days for crews to pick up all trees. For more information, please contact Tumwater Public Works at (360) 754-4150.
Multi-family complex residents: Check with your property manager for tree placement locations.
Featured photo courtesy: Boy Scouts Troop 222
