When the holidays wind down and the decorations get packed away, it’s time to figure out what to do with the Christmas tree. This season, free tree collection and drop-off opportunities are available throughout Thurston County.
To prepare a natural tree for recycling, remove all ornaments, lights, stands, nails and tinsel prior to dropoff. Flocked trees are accepted. Search “Christmas tree” in the online directory at WhereDoITakeMy.org for program details.
Dropoff locations
• All Thurston County residents: Trees are accepted at the Waste and Recovery Center located at 2420 Hogum Bay Road NE in Lacey from Dec. 26 to Jan. 18 (closed Jan. 1). Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Customers must first check in at the inbound scale. Anyone with waste in addition to a tree should expect to make two trips across the scale.
• Rainier residents: Take trees to the Rainier Dropbox Facility at 13010 Rainier Acres Road SE from Dec. 26 to Jan. 18. Hours of operation are Friday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Rochester residents: Take trees to the Rochester Dropbox Facility at 16500 Sargent Road SW from Dec. 27 to Jan. 18. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tenino residents: Take trees to 418 Wichman St. S. from Dec. 27 to Jan. 18.
• Yelm residents: Place trees in a designated dumpster at 15425 state Route 507, at the intersection of Mill Road and 507, anytime from Dec. 26 to Jan. 16.
Pickup information
• LeMay food/yard waste customers: Place your tree in or near your food and yard waste cart in sections 3 feet or less. Extra fees apply for customers not signed up for food and yard waste collection. Call LeMay at 360-923-0111 for information.
• City of Lacey residents: Scouting America (BSA) Troops 222 and 9207 will provide curbside pick-up of holiday trees on Jan. 3. Trees must have all decorations removed and be placed curbside in front of homes by 8 a.m. The Scouts accept and appreciate donations for this community service. Donations can be made online at www.troop222wa.org or by mailing BSA Troop 222, PO Box 5379, Lacey, WA 98509. For more information, call 360-491-3214 or visit the city’s Holiday Tree Round-Up website at https://cityoflacey.org/holiday-tree-roundup/.
• City of Olympia garbage customers: For customers with Tuesday and Wednesday service, tree pickup will be on Jan. 10. For Thursday and Friday service, pickup will be on Jan. 17. Place trees in the regular garbage pickup spot by 6 a.m. Trees over 6 feet must be cut in half. Call the City of Olympia at 360-754-8340 for more information.
• City of Tumwater residents: Place undecorated trees behind the curb near the closest main intersection beginning Jan. 12. Keep sidewalks, bike lanes and roadways clear when dropping off trees. It may take several days for crews to pick up all the trees. For more information, contact Tumwater Public Works at 360-754-4150.
• Multi-family complex residents: Check with your property manager for tree placement locations.
