Recycle Or Throw Out; Options Are Many For Yule Tree Disposal

Thu., Dec. 28, 1995

Jonathan Martin Staff Writer

The in-laws have settled into the guest bedroom, the clothes you got from the kids are just a little too hip and the Christmas tree is turning a sick shade of bronze.

One of them has to go.

There are a number of free or cheap disposal options for the tree which would probably also work for the in-laws and clothes.

Trees for recycling or composting must be free of decorations. Most free services will not accept flocked trees.

Here is a partial list of available services:

City garbage crews will pick up trees for free. Pick-up crews will be working Tuesday through Saturday on the weeks following Christmas and New Year’s Day. Trees over six feet should be cut in half.

It may take up to two weeks to get all trees, according to Dennis Hine, head of the city solid waste department.

Loads of trees under 260 pounds dropped off at the North Spokane regional compost plant at 22123 N. Elk-Chattaroy Rd. are free.

“You could take almost the whole street’s trees for free,” said Hine.

North of the city line, trees chopped into small pieces and left in yard waste bins will be taken.

If trees are left on the curb intact, Waste Management of Spokane charges $3.85 for those under four feet, $5.78 for trees between four and six feet, and $7.70 for six feet and over, or flocked trees. Chop trees over six feet in half.

The Spokane Parks and Recreation department will be composting trees as a fund-raiser to benefit the Finch Arboretum on Jan. 6, 7 and 13 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Trees can be dropped off at the Finch Arboretum, 3404 W. Woodland Blvd., the Shadle Park parking lot at the corner of Wellesley and Belt or at the Mission Park parking lot at the corner of Mission and Perry. Cost is $2. Call 625-6664 for more information.

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