With the holiday festivities winding down, Oak Ridge residents may be pondering the fate of their festive trees, be they lush green pines or the ever-reliable artificial varieties. The city has issued guidelines for the disposal of both, ensuring that the transition into the new year is as clean and environmentally responsible as possible.
For those with live Christmas trees, locations such as Big Turtle Park and Solway Park are the designated drop-off points. The City of Oak Ridge provided details on where to place live trees, wreaths, and garlands within the Big Turtle Park parking lot. However, items like brush and tinsel, are not accepted at these sites. Close to the designated areas, residents will find trash bins for any additional refuse that may accompany the trees.
Additionally, live trees are welcome at Solway Park beside the boat ramp, as per city instructions. There, the collected live trees will find a new purpose after the Parks Division transports them to Living Earth, an organic waste recycling center in Solway, where they will be repurposed.
The protocol for artificial trees is slightly different. Fixed in their synthetic splendor, these trees must be broken down and either placed in the bin for regular trash pickup or taken to the Warehouse Road Convenience Center. At the Center, they can be disposed of in household garbage compactors, ensuring that the artificial boughs don't outstay their holiday welcome.
Residents have until the end of January 2025 to drop off their live trees at the Warehouse Road Convenience Center, where a specific brush box is designated for this purpose. And those who cannot make the trip, fear not: live trees that are cut into segments shorter than 8 feet will be picked up curbside until January 15, as detailed by the City of Oak Ridge.
