The Long Beach Public Works Department is spearheading the "Treecycling" program, giving folks a convenient way to dispose of their Christmas trees for free from December 26, 2023, through January 12, 2024, as reported by longbeach.gov. With over a decade of treecycling under its belt, the initiative keeps the yuletide remnants out of landfills and turns them into something useful—landscaping mulch or biomass fuel.
The annual effort helps prevent potential fire hazards and illegal dumping, with the city hauling away roughly 200 tons of festive firs and pines each year. Dropping off a tree is hassle-free at any of the dozen designated sites located throughout Long Beach. The times are accommodating too, with weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. accepting holiday tree castoffs.
Participants should strip their trees of all trimmings and stands, and those trees over 12 feet tall need to be cut in half. Flocked trees, those sprayed with artificial snow, are also welcome, but artificial trees are not accepted. Only residents can use this service, with the city adamant that businesses find alternative recycling options.
Citizens who are not able to drop off their trees can participate in a citywide tree-pick-up event on deck for January 13, 2024. City-serviced refuse account holders can place their trees at the collection site at 7:00 in the morning. Additional details, including a multilingual map of the drop-off spots, can be found on the city's website.
For those with questions, the line runs directly to Joy Contreras, Community Relations Officer at the Department of Public Works. She is reachable via email at [email protected] for any inquiries or clarifications needed concerning this eco-friendly program.
