Christmas tree disposal information

Residents have several options for disposal of their Christmas trees this year.  There are many different types of trees: live, flocked and artificial trees.  Flocked trees are live trees that have been covered in a white, snow-like spray.  Each type of tree has different disposal options; please take moment to determine how to properly dispose of your tree.

Live Tree Disposal (unflocked)

The Cedar Rapids Solid Waste and Recycling Division collects live Christmas trees as part of the yard waste collection service.

Preparing the tree for curbside collection:

• Remove all ornaments, wires and decorations from the tree
• Do not place the tree in a plastic bag
• Remove any stand or other metal objects from the tree
• Cut the tree into 3 foot sections

The tree can be placed at the curb on your collection day.  You may also put the tree into the YARDY cart for collection, but make sure the lid can close.

The Indian Creek Nature Center also accepts live, unflocked trees free from all metal objects at the Sac & Fox Trailhead Parking lot on Bertram Rd (before the blue bridge).  The trees will be chipped and used as mulch on the Indian Creek Nature Center trail system. Trees should be un-flocked and free of all decorations, tinsel, tree trimmings, tree stand(s), nails and tree bags.  Drop off availability continues through January 31, 2012.

Flocked TreesFlocked Trees are considered a garbage item.  Please cut the tree into 3 foot sections and place the tree out with your normal garbage.  A $1.50 garbage sticker is needed on each 3 foot section of tree.

Artificial TreesPlastic trees are also a garbage item.  There are no recycling opportunities for plastic Christmas trees in the area.  If you are able to set your artificial tree out for collection in 3 foot sections, a $1.50 sticker is required for each section.  If you are unable to separate your artificial tree into sections, please call the Solid Waste & Recycling Office at (319) 286-5897 to set up a special pick-up of your tree.  The tree will be collected with the Bulky Item Collection program and will qualify for the ½ price sale during January and February.  The cost for collection will be $2.50, instead of the normal $5.00 during the ½ price sale.