Christmas tree recycling made easy

Kern County Public Works invites residents throughout the county to participate in its Christmas Tree Recycling Program, running from Thursday, Dec. 26, through Monday, Jan. 6. This program offers an eco-friendly way to dispose of one of the holiday season's most beloved symbols – the Christmas tree. By recycling their trees at designated county and partnering locations, residents can contribute to a cleaner environment and ensure these festive centerpieces are disposed of responsibly.

The initiative emphasizes the importance of preventing illegal dumping and the improper recycling of Christmas trees in residential greenwaste containers. By providing convenient drop-off points throughout Kern County, the program aims to make tree recycling accessible to all. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this free service and help maintain the beauty and sustainability of their communities during the post-holiday season.

Shafter and Wasco residents can go to the following locations:

--City of Shafter Corporation Yard: 1251 East Ash Ave. (daylight hours)

--Shafter-Wasco Landfill: 17621 Scofield Ave., 8 miles west of Shafter (7 days, 8 a.m.-4 p.m).

--Vacant lot in Wasco: Northeast corner of Annin and Gromer avenues (daylight hours)

(all sites closed Jan. 1)

There are several ways to recycle Christmas trees:

--The Christmas trees can go into their greenwaste container if the tree is cut into small pieces to fit into their container with the removal of the tree stand, all decorations and nails. The container lid must be able to close securely. Whole trees and flocked trees are not accepted.

--Residents can self-haul whole Christmas trees to one of 23 drop-off locations throughout Kern County from Dec. 26 through Jan. 6.

--Compost at home. Christmas trees can be cut up and used in compost piles as part of a healthy compost mix. Make sure the pile is free of flocking and other contaminants.

Those taking Christmas trees to one of the drop-off locations should tarp and secure the load properly. Don't forget to remove all ornaments, bulbs, lights, decorations and plastic or metal tree stands before dropping off the tree. No flocked trees.

For more information, visit.kernpublicworks.com or on Facebook at KernCountyPublicWorks.