It’s Time to Recycle That Christmas Tree

With the Christmas holiday in the rearview mirror, many families are looking for a place to recycle their Christmas tree.

Chelan County Public Works has listed several locations that people can go, but PIO Jill Fitzsimmons says make sure you get the tree ready first.

"When dropping off your tree, you need to make sure it's free of all tinsel and decorations. Depending on where you're dropping it off, like if you live in the city limits of Leavenworth and are going to the city facility, then you've got to limb your tree and cut those limbs to no more than four feet in length. We ask that you do the same if you are also taking your tree to the Dryden Transfer Station."

Trees can be dropped off:

• Wenatchee Boy Scout Troop 7 returns this year to help people recycle their trees. Drop-off dates are 4 and Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The Scouts will be at Stemilt Organic Recycling Center in Wenatchee, 1465 S. Wenatchee Ave. (next to the Waste Management transfer station). A $5 donation to the troop is suggested to help support its programs.
• If you live in Manson or Chelan, drop your tree off at Don Morse Memorial Park for the Lake Chelan Winterfest bonfire on Jan. 18. The trees can be dropped off for free in the marina parking lot by the golf putting course. Look for the marked area.
• For those people living in the apple maggot quarantine area of Chelan County, the county’s Leavenworth brush drop-off site will be open 3 and Jan. 4, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. The site is at the intersection of East Leavenworth and Icicle roads. Cost is $15.
• If you live in the city limits of Leavenworth, you can take your tree to the city recycling yard. Details are online. Limbs must be removed and cut to no more than 4 feet in length.
• The brush drop-off site at the Dryden Transfer Station is open its winter hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Cost is $15. No brush from the apple maggot quarantine area is allowed at the DTS.