Ready to Purge the Tree or Unwanted Gifts?

Sometimes during the holidays we acquire gifts, however well intended, which we must pretend to like.

If you've received an onslaught of these unwanted gifts, or you just want to take down that holiday tree, you might be excited to know that the waste collection runs on a normal schedule over the New Year's holiday.

However, the city offers greener solutions for disposing of that hideous, too-snug sweater from crazy Aunt Liz or the snoozer of a historical novel from Uncle Jimmy.

Sometimes people want to get rid of these unwanted items, said city Sustainability Coordinator Valerie Brown, "so instead of throwing them away – "

She suggests dropping off unwanted clothing, purses, belts, shoes and hardcover books at one of two drop-off locations:

• , 903 Michigan Blvd., and
• Lake Haven Recycling Center, 810 Lake Haven Road, behind the Solid Waste building

If you live in a residential area, and you're ready to toss the Christmas tree, just drop it at the curb on a normal waste collection day through Jan. 14. The brush truck will  collect it for recycling. Brown issued a county-wide flier that states residents without curbside yard waste pick-up can plan the day with their association. It also suggests options for recycling Christmas lights. Call 727-298-3215 for more information.

As a reminder, the City of Dunedin mandates that your items be placed curbside between 7 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. before collection, and your containers be removed by 7 p.m. on the day of collection.