Forest Grove Live

Christmas and New Years have now come and gone, time to start taking down the decorations.  But what do you do with that tree?  Here are some options for Forest Grove.

Option 1:  Recycle

Many nonprofit organizations offer pickup services or locations where you can take Christmas trees and wreaths to be recycled.  They will charge a small fee or request a donation.  These nonprofit groups accept trees at least one day on the weekend after Christmas.  Nonprofit organizations provide this service as a fundraiser for many worthwhile projects and as a community service.  Once these groups are finished with tree recycling projects, the yard debris processing companies in the region will still accept them.

Here in Forest Grove, the organization that has handled this for us over the last 25 years is the Forest Grove FFA.

• Drop-off location: Ace Hardware, Tom McCall Upper Elementary School
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 2, Jan 3 and Jan. 9
• $4 for green trees; $15 for flocked trees (wreaths, swags and garlands accepted for free with tree)
• Pick-up is available within the cities of Forest Grove and Cornelius
• Pick-up prices: $6 for green trees; $15 for flocked trees (wreaths, swags and garlands taken for free with tree)
• Pick-up hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 2-3 and Jan. 9
• To arrange pick-up, please call 503-357-6526.

Option 2:  Curbside Yard Debris Collection

Residents with curbside yard debris collection service can recycle their trees in their yard debris carts. If placing tree pieces in your cart, cut your tree into small enough pieces to fit so they are able to fall freely when tipped into the truck. Trees can be set out in lieu of yard debris container. If your cart is full, you can set out trees less than six feet tall as additional yard debris materials.  An “extra” yard debris charge will be assessed. Trees must be free of tinsel, stands, ornaments and other added materials. Wreaths can be placed in the yard debris cart with the frames, wire and other non-organic material removed.

Recycling preparation

It is important to remove all lights, wire, tinsel, ornaments, nails, stands and other materials that are not part of the original tree. Most trees are ground up as part of the recycling process; foreign material can ruin a chipping machine. Also, nonorganic materials aren’t good for a compost mixture. Some groups or businesses do not accept flocked trees.

Christmas wreaths and swags can be recycled with trees. Most recyclers ask that all frames and wire be removed.

Do not bring yard debris to nonprofit groups that are collecting trees.

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