Old Christmas Trees Needn’t Go To Waste
The holidays are almost over and the Christmas tree sitting in the living room looks like it’s on its last limb.
But those wilting Christmas trees have life in them yet.
Both the city of Post Falls and the Kootenai County Solid Waste Department have recycling plans for yuletide greenery.
In Post Falls, the city will collect trees on Wednesday. The trees will be chipped and used in a new composting program at the wastewater treatment plant, said Hazel Fletcher of public works.
The trees must be placed on the curbs and not in the alleys. Residents may also take their trees to the Post Falls city shop at East 1200 Third Avenue. They will be accepted until Friday.
If there is heavy snowfall, the pickup may be delayed.
The Kootenai County Solid Waste Department is encouraging residents to bring trees to one of five locations throughout the county for recycling.
“The tinsel and the flocking can stay on, just don’t forget the ornaments,” said Jill Bowes, recycling coordinator.
The trees will be chipped and taken to the University of Idaho to be used as heating fuel, she said.
The holiday greenery can be taken to the waste transfer station at 3650 Ramsey Road between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. seven days a week.
Trees may also be left at the rural Dumpster sites in Athol, Garwood, Twin Lakes and Mica. Bowes asked that the trees not be put in the Dumpsters but instead be left in the designated areas.
Coeur d’Alene residents can put their trees out with their garbage. However, they will not be recycled.
The tree will count as one garbage can. Residents who go over their regular garbage limit will be charged $1.50 for the pickup, according to officials with Waste Management of Idaho, the city’s garbage contractor.
Trees taller than six feet must be cut in half.
Most outlying area residents served by Coeur d’Alene Garbage Service can also put trees out with their garbage. Residents who exceed their limit for trash pickup will be charged extra for trees. The company encourages residents to instead take their trees to be recycled.
, DataTimes