How to dispose of your Christmas tree

"You must cut up your tree to fit into your green plant debris cart, making sure the lid is closed. Whole trees will not be picked up if left on the curb. If you have a flocked or snow-covered tree, you must cut it up and place it in your refuse cart. You can drop off your compostable tree at the Transfer Station at 1201 2nd Street (off Gilman) for free through Jan. 31."

"The National Fire Protection Association recommends prompt removal of fresh trees after the holiday, noting that about a third of Christmas tree fires occur in January. As much as we all enjoy the look and feel of Christmas trees in our homes, they're large combustible items that have the potential to result in serious fires, Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy for the NFPA, said in a statement."

Berkeley provides curbside and drop-off options for Christmas tree disposal. Trees must be cut to fit inside green plant debris carts with the lid closed for curbside collection; whole trees left on the curb will not be collected. Flocked or snow-covered trees must be cut up and placed in the refuse cart. Compostable trees can be dropped at the Transfer Station at 1201 2nd Street (off Gilman) for free through Jan. 31; dropping flocked or plastic trees there costs $42. The Transfer Station is open 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Saturday. The NFPA recommends prompt removal because about a third of Christmas tree fires occur in January and dried trees increase fire risk.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org