Do-it-yourself Christmas tree disposal going smoothly so far
Because Ann Arbor canceled its curbside collection of Christmas trees this year, residents must dispose of trees on their own.
And so far, it's going smoothly, said Tom McMurtrie, solid waste coordinator for the city.
"Haven't heard that anyone is putting them out to the curb," he said.
Residents have a few options for their Christmas tree disposal, city officials say.
They can leave undecorated Christmas trees in the parking lot adjacent to the Drop-off Station, 2950 E. Ellsworth Road, from now through Jan. 31. There is no charge, and the parking lot is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Residents who choose to take their trees directly to the Drop-Off Station will be charged a $3 entry fee and an additional "small fee," according to a city of Ann Arbor news release.
Unwanted Christmas trees may also be taken to the Compost Center, 4150 Platt Road, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at no cost.
Finally, Christmas trees can be cut and the pieces tied into bundles for compost collection season, which begins on the first Monday in April.
- Find more information and learn how to prepare materials for compost collection here.
The unwanted Christmas trees will be chipped into mulch or composted and must be free of any tree stands, nails, ornaments, tinsel and plastic bags, which can ruin processing equipment and pose a danger to operators. Wreaths and evergreen roping made with wire or plastic backing should be disposed of with household garbage.
McMurtrie said this week and next week will likely be the busiest for Christmas tree disposal.
"Most people leave it at the adjacent parking lot (near the Drop-off Station) because there is no charge there," he said.
Comments
cookiemonster
Wed, Jan 5, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.
Peg- I find it hard to believe that if someone takes the initiative to load up a tree somehow, that they wouldn't just drop it off where it's free and open 24/7, but then again, people routinely surprise me. I live in Pittsfield and was fully prepared to cart my tree to the drop off station. Apparently ours are still on schedule for pickup.
Peg
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 10:54 a.m.
I do hope that Ann Arbor's decision to end their Christmas tree pickup doesn't backfire. Some individuals may end up dumping their trees in nearby creeks, streams, and other areas where water collects during heavy rains, and this could create flooding issues where these trees block drains and culverts. Everyone should be alert to this problem and keep an eye out for illegal dumping. Other municipal entities that may be thinking about dropping their annual tree pickups should study the ramifications very carefully. Not everyone will take their tree to the approved drop off station.
pvitaly
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9:43 a.m.
YpsiLivin, thanks! I just moved to Pittsfield... still a rookie :)
Elaine F. Owsley
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 9:33 a.m.
Take your trees to Matthai Gardens where they will be used for mulch and you will be helping the Gardens and go "green". They will receive them during business hours. A $5 donation for the service will support the Children's Garden.
YpsiLivin
Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 11:15 p.m.
pvitaly, According to the information on the PIttsfield Twp Web site: Republic Services/Allied Waste offers a holiday tree collection during the first three weeks of January each year. All trees must be clear of: lights, tree stands, tree bags, and other decorations. Your tree didn't get picked up last week because tree collection hadn't started yet.
pvitaly
Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 3:39 p.m.
Hilton... really? I live in Pittsfield and put my tree out last week and it wasn't picked up.
Klayton
Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.
I recommend moving to Pittsfield Township...they still pick up your tree, taxes are cheaper, and you can still attend Ann Arbor Schools.
Barb
Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.
I'm just tickled that it's going smoothly for the City. I'd hate to see them inconvenienced. Also, apparently the word isn't out all over the city. I have neighbors setting trees out at their curb.