After the thrill of the holidays and the sparkly decor comes the seasonal task that's less about festivity and more about responsibility — disposing of your Christmas tree. Fortunately, for Thurston County residents, there are convenient and environmentally-friendly ways to recycle those trees. As the festivities unwind, residents can access a variety of free collection and drop-off options throughout the county.
Residents of Rainier, Rochester, and Lacey are being reminded of proper tree recycling procedures following the holiday season. Authorities advise removing all decorations—including ornaments, lights, stands, nails, and tinsel—before disposal. Even flocked trees are accepted for recycling, according to Thurston County's website. Preparations vary by location: LeMay food and yard waste customers should cut trees into sections, while residents of Olympia and Tumwater should leave undecorated trees by the curb for collection.
Residents looking to drop off their holiday trees in person have several options. The Waste and Recovery Center in Lacey accepts trees from December 26 through January 18, excluding New Year’s Day, during designated hours. Additional drop-box locations are available in Rainier, Rochester, and Tenino until January 18, while Yelm residents can use a designated dumpster until January 16, according to Thurston County officials. Visitors are reminded to check in upon arrival, especially if bringing other types of waste alongside their holiday trees.
Many cities within Thurston County offer pick-up options as well. In Lacey, Boy Scout Troops 222 and 9207 will be making their rounds on January 3, providing curbside tree pickup as a community service, and they're open for donations via their website or mail. The City of Olympia has their pickups scheduled for January 10 and January 17, depending on your regular garbage service day, and requires the trees to be chopped if they're over six feet. Folks living in Tumwater can rest easy by dropping off their trees behind the curb starting January 12, while multi-family complex residents should coordinate with their property managers for the apt drop-off points.
