Riverside County residents are being encouraged to responsibly dispose of their Christmas trees with a countywide recycling program. According to an announcement from the county, people can drop off their natural trees at designated landfill sites where they will be transformed into compost or mulch, contributing to a greener environment.
To properly prepare Christmas trees for recycling, all ornaments, lights, tinsel, and stands should be removed. Flocked trees, however, are not accepted in the program and need to quickly be cut up and disposed of in regular trash bins. This program enables Riverside County not only to reduce waste but also to create a beneficial soil amendment from recycled trees.
As reported by the county, various locations will be open through January 6 for free drop-offs, allowing up to three trees per household. Sites accepting trees include A Lua Wood Recycling in Lake Elsinore and El Sobrante Landfill in Corona, among others. Burrtec and CR & R are also participating but are exclusive to their customers.
Most trash haulers in the area will collect Christmas trees curbside for two weeks following the holiday. These should be placed next to or inside the green-waste container on regular pick-up days. Larger trees over four feet tall are required to be cut in half to properly manage their disposal.
For further details, the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources has made information available via phone at (951) 486-3200 or on their website, where additional green holiday suggestions can be found.
