Now that the excitement of the holiday season is over, area residents are facing the chore of putting away their decorations and disposing of their fresh cut Christmas trees.

Residents in all 34 communities served by the Mid Michigan Waste Authority can put their fresh Christmas trees to the curb by 7 am on their regular trash day throughout the month of January.

Residents do not need to remove ornaments, tinsel, garland or other decorative items, and trees can be put to the curb with or without a tree bag.

Trees that are frozen to the ground or covered with snow will not be collected until they can be safely accessed by the driver. Large or heavy trees may have to be picked up by the bulk truck, and in those cases, trees should be collected within two days of the resident’s regular service day.

The service applies only to Christmas trees that have been used as indoor holiday décor. State law prohibits yard waste and vegetation from being disposed of in the landfill; however, the ban does not apply to Christmas trees. Artificial trees may be placed to the curb as a bulky item at any time of year.

Residents who would like to dispose of unwanted Christmas tree lights can take part in the MMWA Holiday Light Recycling Drive, which runs through Jan. 15, 2019. Lights may be dropped off at several locations throughout mid-Michigan

  • Bridgeport Twp Governmental Center
    6206 Dixie Highway, Bridgeport
  • The CAN Council
    1311 N Michigan Ave, Saginaw
  • Kochville Twp Office
    5851 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw
  • Mid Michigan Waste Authority
    2063 S Miller Rd, Saginaw
  • Richland Twp Administrative Office
    1180 N Hemlock Rd, Hemlock
  • Saginaw Twp Dept of Public Services
    4870 Shattuck Rd, Saginaw
  • Charles District Library
    104 W Spruce St, St. Charles
  • Thomas Twp Public Safety Building
    8215 Shields Dr, Saginaw
  • Wheeler Twp Hall
    8510 E Monroe Rd, Wheeler
  • Zilwaukee City Administration Building
    319 Tittabawassee Rd, Saginaw

For more information about Christmas tree collection or the holiday light drive, please call (989) 781-9555.