No matter how convenient throwing your Christmas tree in the trash appears, there are easy alternatives that are worth the extra effort.
Cutting the tree into segments and placing them in your curbside compost cart, and leaving bundles of any extra branches or segments beside the cart for pickup, go a long way in minimizing holiday waste.
“It also will save space and lengthen the life of time for our landfill here in Ada County. So it's a win for your costs and it's a win for the environment,” said Lisa Knapp, Compost Program Lead for the City of Boise’s CurbIt team.
She says natural Christmas trees with all decorations removed, in addition to live wreaths and garlands, are eligible for composting in Boise.
And if you live in an apartment building or other multi-family residence, you can still take your tree to Ada County Landfill for composting between Friday, Dec. 26 through Saturday, Jan. 10.
Christmas Tree disposal around Idaho:
- Nampa: Christmas trees may be dropped off for recycling at Kohlerlawn Cemetery the day after Christmas through the middle of January.
- Eagle: For free pickup between December 28 and January 9, cut your Christmas tree into 4-foot segments and place it beside your curbside trash cart.
- Caldwell: Cut your holiday tree in half and remove all artificial decorations before placing alongside any other yard waste or trash for your regularly scheduled waste pickup day.
- Twin Falls: Take off any lights, tree stands, tinsel and plastic bags from the Christmas tree before cutting into 3-foot sections and placing segments in your blue garbage cart.
