Christmas has finally arrived and in the next few days all the presents that sit under your finely-decorated, lighted tree will be unwrapped. So here’s how Stocktonians can remove that dried foliage carcass from their homes just in time for New Year.
The city of Stockton will collect Christmas trees for the next three weeks starting Monday through its Christmas Tree Collection program. All you have to do is put them out with the bins.
“Christmas trees should be set out for recycling on your regularly scheduled collection day,” the city says. “Make sure to remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, and stands.”
Trees taller than 6 feet should be cut in half for easier removal, city officials say. Flocked and fireproofed trees are also eligible for pickup, though they will not be recycled.
Stoktonians will have until Jan. 13 to dispose of their trees through their regular waste management pickups.
“Christmas trees are collected using a rear-loading truck,” the city says. “This truck is different than the trucks that normally empty your wheeled carts. Collection may occur before or after your wheeled carts are emptied on your service day.”
After the deadline, residents can cut up their plane trees and put the holiday remnants in their organics bin. Flocked or fireproofed trees should be put in the trash cart. Any trees left curbside will be removed, but at the customer’s expense.
Artificial trees are excluded from pickup but can be dismembered and also put in the trash cart, according to Stockton Recycles, which is a collaboration between the city of Stockton and its two waste collection agencies, Waste Management and Republic Services.
“The trash cart lid must be closed completely to ensure collection,” its website says. “You may also call your service provider to schedule a curbside collection for a fee.”
For Stockton residents who live in unincorporated areas of the city, San Joaquin County’s solid waste services says that Christmas tree pickup will depend on where the customer lives and they should check with the company that handles their waste disposal.
County businesses and residents can also drop off their Christmas trees for free disposal through Jan. 15 at the North County Recycling Center and Sanitary Landfill on East Harney Lane in Lodi.
Anyone with tree or general garbage disposal questions can also call the county’s Solid Waste Administrative Office at (925) 468-3066.
