Advertisement

Bay area residents have different ways to say goodbye to that Christmas tree

 
Tim Shorter of St. Petersburg’s sanitation department arranges discarded Christmas trees at the city’s recycling center after last Christmas. Most Pinellas cities convert the trees to mulch.
Tim Shorter of St. Petersburg’s sanitation department arranges discarded Christmas trees at the city’s recycling center after last Christmas. Most Pinellas cities convert the trees to mulch.
Published Dec. 31, 2014

TAMPA — Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree. We had a good run, didn't we?

Picking you out at the tree lot, wrestling you into the stand, dangling those blinky lights and that tacky tinsel, and trying to keep the dog from lapping up all your water. Then there were all those presents torn open in a frenzy Christmas morning — and you, at the center of it all.

Good times. But yeah, it's over.

Take heart, those reluctant to let go. Your local government is here to help you properly part with that tree.

Sure, take a minute to say goodbye if you need it. We won't watch.

Pinellas County residents:

Most cities in Pinellas County collect trees, which are recycled into mulch, either at the curbside or at dropoff sites. For those with curbside service, pickup generally takes place on normal yard waste days.

Remove all decorations and lights. Do not place the tree in a bag or can.

For the various disposal options by municipality, check out the following online brochure: pinellascounty.org/utilities/getridofit/xmas_tree_recycling.pdf or call (727) 464-7500.

City of Tampa residents:

Tree collection service will run through Friday.

Remove all decorations and lights, cut the tree limbs into 4-foot lengths, bundle them and place them at curbside on your regularly scheduled yard waste collection day. Call (813) 274-8811 for more information.

Hillsborough County residents:

You have two options:

• Free curbside pickup. Remove all decorations, lights and tinsel, cut the tree into sections no larger than 4 feet long and 6 inches in diameter, and place them curbside on your regular yard waste collection day.

• Free disposal at a county facility. Skip the hassle of cutting your tree into smaller pieces by taking it to one of the following Yard Waste Processing facilities:

— 346 Falkenberg Road in Tampa

— 13001 U.S. 41 in Gibsonton

— 8001 W Linebaugh Ave. in Tampa

They're open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but closed New Year's Day.

You'll need your current tax bill and photo identification, and you need to be able to unload the tree yourself.

Noncounty residential solid waste customers can dispose of trees by paying a tonnage fee. Call (813) 272-5680 for more information.

Temple Terrace residents:

Remove all decorations, lights and tinsel, and place the tree curbside for pickup today.

Call (813) 506-6570 for more information.

New Tampa residents:

You are encouraged to contact Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management at (813) 272-5680 for the department's holiday collection schedule.