PORTLAND, Ore. — Well, it's almost that time of the year again when Christmas trees make the final trip from your living room to the side of the road or your local Boy Scouts.
There are several ways to dispose of your tree in the Rose City. So here are a few things to keep in mind.
Let's start with flocked trees vs. non-flocked trees. According to Portland's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, flocked trees cannot be recycled, but can be disposed of as garbage. But if it doesn't fit in your garbage can, you're asked to cut it in half for handling purposes and set it next to your garbage can for an additional charge.
As for non-flocked trees, you can recycle those. In many cities, including Portland and Vancouver, you can do that curbside. You’re asked to remove all trimmings, lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand. After that, you can set the whole tree out next to your compost bin for about a $5 charge.
But there are restrictions on how tall trees can be. Clark County is asking residents to cut Christmas trees in half if they are over 5 feet. Portland is asking its residents to cut in half if above 6 feet. You also have the option to cut down your tree into pieces and put them inside your bin with the lid closed — at no extra charge.
Now you may be wondering why recycle your Christmas tree. Well, recycled Christmas trees are chipped into mulch. A natural and low-cost product that can help conserve water and beautify garden beds and landscaping. Many cities also use this mulch for public parks and playgrounds.
Numerous nonprofits will also allow you to pick up or drop off your Christmas tree at no cost — though it's encouraged to make a donation. This includes your local Boy Scout troops.
You can visit Oregonmetro.gov to find a recycler near you. Here you plug in your home address and the site will bring you to your nearest options to drop off or pick up including dates, times and location.
You can also drop off your tree at no cost at Topaz Farm on Saturday, Dec. 30 and Jan. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon. You'll be able to grab a hot chocolate and visit their animals while dropping off your tree. A couple of trees will be given to the goats as a special treat.
Since Christmas and New Year's Day are on a Monday this year, tree collections for all Portland customers will be delayed by one day. And will likely be picked up on Dec. 30 and 31 and again on Jan. 6 and 7.