Windsor crews begin Christmas Tree collection

A Christmas tree in this undated file image.

The City of Windsor is helping residents with real Christmas tree disposal.

Christmas tree and yard waste collections got underway Tuesday and will continue through the week in “A” zones and then during the week of Jan. 20 in “B” zones. (Look for the Christmas tree symbol in your waste collection calendar).

City officials say trees are shredded into wood chips, so it is important to remember that only real trees, not artificial trees, will be recycled.

Here are some additional tips to help us properly recycle your tree:

• Remove all decorations, lights, wire, tree skirts, stands and nails.
• Trees longer than 1.8 metres (6 feet) must be cut in half so that they fit in the truck.
• Your tree cannot be recycled/shredded if it has fake snow on it.
• Avoid using a plastic tree bag. If you do place your tree in a plastic bag to bring it to the curb, please remove the bag and throw it in the garbage prior to collection.
• Bundle loose branches (no longer than 1.22 metres or 4 feet) with cedar roping and place beside your Christmas tree.
• Take your tree to the curb only on your specially assigned collection day, as trees sometimes become frozen to a snowbank or to the ground if put out too soon.
• Leaves and other yard waste left over from your fall cleanup can also be placed out for collection on your designated Christmas tree pickup day. To increase collection efficiency, if possible, please put trees and yard waste at a common location with an adjacent neighbour, away from parked cars.
• Have Christmas trees and yard waste placed at your curb by 6 a.m. for collection.

If you require a collection calendar, or if you have any questions about Christmas tree/yard waste collection, visit www.CityWindsor.ca or contact 311. You can also download the Recycle Coach App.