County Announces Christmas Tree Recycling Schedule

With Christmas trees quickly selling out across the Big Island, there will soon be no shortage of quickly-drying pine needles littering living rooms everywhere.

To help island residents safely dispose of their once-festive plants in an environmentally friendly manner, the County of Hawaii has announced it’s 2012-2013 Christmas tree recycling effort.

Recycling services will be available from December 26, 2012 through January 15, 2013 from 6:00AM – 6:00PM at the following Big Island landfills and transfer stations:

Hilo
Honoka‘a
Kea‘au
Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe)
Keauhou
Puakō
Waimea
Wai’ōhinu

Trees are to be free of all lights and ornaments. No artificial trees will be accepted. Trees needing disposal after January 15th should be taken to a designated green waste facility. Green waste locations can be found via the county’s website.

Nearly one third of Christmas tree shipments were delayed earlier this year after state agricultural officials discovered invasive species in many of the trees. Improper paperwork also delayed some of the shipments.