Staffing Shortages Delay Arlington Christmas Tree Pickup Again

ARLINGTON, MA — Christmas tree pickup has been delayed another week in Arlington due to staffing shortages among the town's contractor, JRM.

The company continues to be plagued by absences attributed to the latest COVID-19 surge, and wants to prioritize the regular collection of trash and recycling. Residents are asked to keep trees off the curb until their trash collection day, the week of Jan. 18-22.

Residents who would like to drop off their tree on Saturday, Jan. 15, may make an appointment.

Be sure trees are prepared correctly:

• No stand or decorations
• No plastic bag
• Must not be frozen to the ground or covered in snow

Trees that are not prepared correctly cannot be collected.

A one-day drop off is scheduled on Saturday morning, Jan. 15:

• 9 AM to 12 PM
• 33 Ryder Street
• Bare Christmas trees only, no stands or decorations, no plastics
• No yard waste
• No decorative greenery (these should go in the trash is it has wire and plastic/paint, or can be included as yard waste next spring if all of the non-organic material is removed)
• Arlington residents only, free, no registration required