Providence's Holiday Tree Disposal Schedule Announced

The City will begin its curbside pick up of holiday trees and ends its yard debris pick up program

PROVIDENCE - As families shop for the perfect tree to brighten up their holiday season, the City is Providence is reminding residents of the proper way to dispose of those trees. The City will begin free, curbside pick up of holiday trees beginning Monday, January 3, 2011 until Friday, January 28th.

The trees will be collected by Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and turned into compost, a natural fertilizer that enriches soil and helps produce healthy plants and trees. Residents are urged to take the following steps to ensure that their tree will be picked up:

• Place trees at the curb on regular trash collection days
  
• All ornaments, tinsel, lights and tree stands must be removed from trees
  
• Do not place trees in any type of bag
  

Yard Debris Pick Up Program Ends
The City's free, yard debris pick up program that began in the spring will end for the season on Friday, December 17th. Yard debris must be disposed of in paper yard-waste bags or in an open, waterproof container clearly marked "yard debris." Free "yard debris" stickers are available in the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services.

After the December 17th deadline, residents may want to consider composting their yard waste at home or check with your local community garden (a list of community gardens can be found here). Rhode Island Resource Recovery in Johnston accepts yard waste year-round for a minimum of $25 per ton. For more information, contact 401-942-1430.

Waste Management will resume pick up of yard debris in April of next year. For more information, contact the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services at 421-2489.