Seattle residents who subscribe to curbside food and yard waste collection can put their trees and greens out on their regular collection day at no extra charge from December 26, 2013 through January 12, 2014.
Multi-family buildings can put out one tree next to each food and yard waste cart per collection day at no extra charge during this time.
SPU advises that trees should be cut into sections of six feet long or shorter, with branches trimmed to less than four feet to fit into the collection trucks. Residents should ensure to bundle each section with string or non-plastic twine. Please remove all ornaments and wreaths from your tree.
Flocked trees or trees with tinsel or ornaments will be collected as extra garbage. Customers will need to cut the tree into three-foot pieces and each piece will be charged as extra garbage. Each unit of extra garbage costs $8.60. SPU also advises that plastic trees are not compostible.
Seattle residents can also drop off holiday trees and greens for free at Seattle Public Utilities’ North and South Recycling and Disposal Stations from December 26 through January 12. The tree sections must be cut to eight feet or less in length and the trunk must be four inches or smaller in diameter. The limit is three trees per vehicle. Only trees and wreaths without flocking or decoration may be composted free of charge.
The North Recycling and Disposal Station (1350 N 34th St) is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., other than selected holidays.
Regular residential food and yard waste collection rates will resume on Monday, January 13. The fee for extra yard waste is $4.90 per unit.
