Middletown Again Offering Christmas Tree Collection

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The city of Middletown's Christmas Tree collection program will commence on Monday, Jan. 5, weather permitting.

It's a special recycling program provided free of charge to city residents.

Natural Christmas trees can be recycled in two ways:

1. They can be brought to the City Recycling Center, free of charge, during regular opening hours for chipping

2. They can be set out for curb-side collection by the Middletown Public Works Department in January.

The Public Works trucks will circulate through the city, for the first two weeks in January, weather permitting, to collect Christmas trees set out at the curb. Trees should be placed at the curb by Monday Jan. 5, to guarantee collection.

All trees must be prepared accordingly:

• All decorations must be removed, including tinsel
• Plastic bags must be removed
• Trees should be placed bottom end facing the curb

The collection schedule will depend upon weather conditions. Heavy snow will delay collection of the trees.

Trees delivered directly to the Middletown Recycling Center must also have all decorations removed and be emptied from plastic bags. Proof of residency is necessary to enter the recycling center. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2:45p.m. and the first and third Saturdays of the month from 7 to 11:45 a. m.

"If you have woods or a backyard, trees can be used to benefit wildlife. Place your tree in your backyard and add treats such as stringed popcorn (no butter or salt), suet, apple or orange slices or pinecones mixed with peanut butter," municipal officials said.