Holiday Decoration Recycling and Disposal

Note: Last week a press release was issued and redacted as it was not complete. We apologize for our error. Attached is the correct and timely release for recycling of holiday decorations.

As the holidays pass, it will be time for many to take down the live or artificial tree and decorations for this holiday season.

Several options exist for Columbia residents to recycle/dispose of live Christmas trees:

• Between December 26 and January 31, you can simply set the tree curbside on your normally scheduled pickup day. The tree does not need to be cut to 4 foot lengths and does not need to be stripped of decorations. The trees will go directly into the landfill where the tree will decompose and will assist in the generation of methane gas used to generate electricity. After January 31, the tree must meet the usual length requirements and be cut into lengths no longer than 4 feet.  
• You may take your tree, minus all decorations, to either of the public mulch sites; Parkside Drive or Capen Park. Please ensure that all decorations have been removed from the tree as trees dropped of at Parkside or Capen will be ground into mulch.
• You may also take your tree, free from all decorations, to the compost facility located at the landfill, 5700 Peabody Road. There will be no charge for composting your tree.
• Trees taken to the landfill which have ornaments and are not eligible for composting, which must be disposed in the landfill 5700 Peabody Road, will be charged the normal landfill fee.

While you may leave decorations on the tree if it is set out for curbside pickup, we urge you to consider recycling the decorations if you do not want them. You can take strings of lights to any local Walmart until December 30 and place them in the bins at the entrance to the stores. Consider "gifting" ornaments and other decorations to someone who may be in need of those items. Ornaments and tinsel should be disposed of in your normal refuse collection.

Artificial trees and wreaths which have met the end of their lifespan should be disposed of in your normal trash collection.

Recycling is so easy and it's the right thing to do.

For more information, visit our web site at GoColumbiaMo.com or visit us on Facebook at Facebook.com/columbiarecycles