Berkeley Urges Residents To Dispose Of Holiday Trees Properly

BERKELEY, CA — After celebrating with loved ones, the city of Berkeley is asking residents to dispose of their holiday trees properly, and they’re being offered two options.

Compostable trees can be left curbside pickup bins or dropped off at the Transfer Station for free in January.

For curbside collection, residents are required to cut their tree into smaller pieces so it fits in the green compost cart with the lid closed.

“Whole trees can damage the City's collection trucks and will not be picked up if left on the curb, cut them up to fit into your green plant debris bin with the lid closed,” city officials said.

Flocked or "snow-covered" trees are not compostable.

“If you have a flocked tree, cut it up and treat it as you would a plastic tree: place it in your gray refuse cart,” city officials said.

The city is advising residents who don't have access to tree-cutting tools to use the free rental service offered by the Berkeley Tool Lending Library (open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Only Berkeley residents or property owners over age 18 may borrow tools.

Residents can also drop off whole trees (with lights and decorations removed) at the City's Transfer Station (open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The Transfer Station charges a $29 fee for disposing of flocked or plastic trees.

The Transfer Station will take compostable trees for free through the end of January.