The County of Simcoe is issuing a timely reminder to residents about the correct procedures for disposing of their Christmas trees now that the holiday season is winding down. With festive celebrations concluding, municipal waste management services are preparing for the annual influx of natural trees, and following the guidelines is crucial for efficient collection and recycling.
Essential Preparation Guidelines for Residents
To ensure a smooth pickup process, the county has established clear rules for how trees should be prepared. All decorations, including tinsel, lights, ornaments, and stands, must be completely removed from the tree. Trees should not be placed in plastic bags. For those with artificial trees, they are not collected as part of this special program and should be disposed of according to regular waste guidelines if they are no longer wanted.
The collection is specifically for natural Christmas trees. Residents are asked to place their prepared trees at the curb by 7 a.m. on their designated collection day. The county emphasizes that proper preparation helps prevent damage to collection equipment and ensures the trees can be successfully chipped and composted, turning holiday greenery into useful mulch.
Collection Schedule and Regional Considerations
Curbside collection of Christmas trees will align with the regular waste collection schedule in the new year. Residents should place their trees out on their scheduled garbage collection day during the first few weeks of January. The program is a coordinated effort across the county's member municipalities.
For those living in apartments or condominiums with communal waste services, it is best to check with property management for specific instructions on tree disposal. Some municipalities within Simcoe County may also offer additional drop-off locations for trees at local waste disposal sites or depots for residents who miss the curbside pickup or prefer to drop them off themselves.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Diverting Christmas trees from landfill is a key environmental priority for the region. When trees are collected free of contaminants like metal or plastic, they can be processed into wood chips for landscaping and trail cover, closing the organic waste loop. This initiative is part of Simcoe County's broader waste diversion strategy aimed at reducing the overall volume of material sent to landfill sites.
By taking a few minutes to properly strip their tree, residents directly contribute to the county's sustainability goals. The reminder, published on December 26, 2025, serves as a helpful nudge during the busy post-holiday period, ensuring everyone can participate in this simple yet effective recycling program.
