Recycled Christmas trees are chipped into mulch – a natural and low-cost product that can help conserve water and beautify garden beds and landscaping

VANCOUVER – Clark County residents who are among the millions of people buying natural Christmas trees this holiday season can utilize local recycling options to give their trees purpose long after the holidays are over.   

Recycled Christmas trees are chipped into mulch – a natural and low-cost product that can help conserve water and beautify garden beds and landscaping. When organic waste, like trees, is left to rot in landfills it creates methane, a toxic greenhouse gas.  

Before recycling a natural tree, all lights, tinsel, wire, ornaments and stands must be removed. Flocked and artificial trees cannot be recycled and should be placed in the garbage. Artificial trees in good condition may be donated to thrift stores or through buy-nothing groups.  

Waste Connections will pick up trees from customers with yard debris or organics collection. Taller trees must be cut into pieces no longer than 5 feet. Customers can place tree pieces inside or next to their yard debris or organics cart for pickup on their scheduled service day. An additional fee applies if the tree is in addition to a full yard debris or organics cart.  

Residents can also recycle trees of any size for a small fee (typically $5 or less) at the following locations:  

• Central Transfer and Recycling, 11034 NE 117th Ave., 360.256.8482  
• City Bark, 2419 NE Andresen Road, 360.253.8461  
• H&H Wood Recyclers, 8401 NE 117th Ave., 360.892.2805  
• McFarlane’s Bark, 8806 NE 117th Ave., 360.892.6125  
• Triangle Resources, 612 SE Union St., Camas, 360.834.7253  
• West Van Materials Recovery Center, 6601 NW Old Lower River Road, 360.737.1727  

Scouting America will collect trees for recycling in many areas of Clark County on Saturday, Jan. 4. The service is free, but donations will be accepted. Flyers will be distributed in many neighborhoods where pickup is available. The Scout Tree Recycling website also has information about neighborhoods with pickup service and contact information.  

Waste Connections customers who do not have yard debris or organics service can put cut trees next to their garbage carts and pay for an extra 32-gallon collection. Trees collected with garbage will be sent to the landfill and won’t be recycled.  

For more information on holiday waste recycling and disposal, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website. 

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.