The Kitimat-Stikine regional district and the City of Terrace have just the solution to dispose of your Christmas tree.
Beginning tomorrow, Jan. 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., both local governments will be collecting Christmas trees at the old Co-op parking lot beside the George Little House.
They'll then be composted.
Those bringing trees are also asked to donate a non-perishable food item for local food banks.
One word of caution – please ensure that all lights and decorations are removed first.
Kitimat-Stikine regional district assistant solid waste services coordinator Kathryn Goodwin said the trees will be gathered up in a large container and taken to the Thornhill transfer station for chipping by Nordic Tree Service and then trucked to the regional district's composting facility at its new Forceman Ridge waste facility.
She said tomorrow's collection is intended as an efficient and effective no-charge way for people to dispose of their Christmas trees.
“Those who don't wish to can take their tree to the [Thornhill] transfer station, drive over the scales and pay the tipping fee,” Goodwin added.
One other alternative – and this is for regional district residents – is to cut a tree up into pieces and place the pieces in their organics container which is picked up weekly.
“But don't leave it at the side of the road. It won't be picked up,” said Goodwin.
Trees left on the curb by city residents also won't be picked up by city workers.
But there is a weekly compost pickup and residents can cut a tree up so that it fits into a compost bag and it will then be removed.