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Christmas Tree disposal information for both Dunlap and Springfield
This article includes information on how and where to dispose of live Christmas trees after the holiday season.
First things first: Happy new year!
We at Green View trust you had a lovely holiday season. If you picked out a Fraser fir from either our Dunlap or Springfield garden centers for Christmas 2022, we appreciate your patronage and continued support.
Even when your tree is kept in ideal conditions, it will sadly begin to die after a few weeks indoors. It's wise to get it outside before you have thousands of fir needles littering your carpet, and so this blog post has information from the City of Peoria's GFL waste removal service and Springfield's public works department, detailing how and when to kick your tree to the curb.
Dunlap, IL (Peoria County)
If you're a resident of Peoria county, rest assured that Peoria's GFL services will pick up your tree as part of your regularly scheduled weekly trash pick-up. Here are a few reminders listed on the Peoria waste management website:
- GFL crews will pick up your Christmas trees as part of normal trash collection.
- You do not need to request a special pickup.
- Place your Christmas tree next to your trash and/or recycling carts.
- Remove all lights and decorations.
- If the tree is oversized, cut the tree in half.
- Artificial trees are not accepted.
Another valuable resource for county residents is the string light recycling initiative, as detailed in a News Flash on Peoria County's website. There are 5 drop-off locations for string lights to be recycled:
- The Peoria County Courthouse (at the Jefferson St. entrance)
- Forest Park Nature Center
- Chillicothe Public Library
- Alpha Park Public Library in Bartonville
- Princeville's Lillie M. Evans Library
Springfield, IL (Sangamon County)
Residents of Springfield can dispose of their trees on their own curbs in the first days of 2023.
- Trees will be picked up by Public Works, not as part of the city's waste collection services, for two weeks in January.
- All decorations, including ornaments, lights, tinsel, garlands, hooks, and tree stands, must be removed. If your tree is flocked, remove as much flocking as possible.
- Residents are encouraged to put trees for disposal at the curb by 7 a.m. on the first collection day after New Year's day.
- Per a helpful resource site called pickyourownchristmastree.org, residents also can drop off trees and branches from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday, at the Public Works facility, located at 301 N. 17th St.
If you'd prefer to drop off your Christmas tree (as well as other live seasonal greenery such as wreaths, garland, etc.), the City of Springfield's Yardwaste Recycling Center (YRC) will accept these materials, free of charge, from December 26th thru January 31st. Live greens dropped off at YRC will be ground into wood chips. YRC is located at 3790 South Farm Road 119, Brookline IL.
Finally, another valuable resource for Springfield residents are the free string light disposal programs available thanks to AAA Certified Computer Recycling Center (528 N. Prince Lane) and Complete Electronics Recycling (2935 W. Chestnut Expy.).
Alternative Options
As long as your tree has been stripped of decorations and flocking, one excellent usage involves sinking your tree in a pond or lake. Sunken trees provide excellent structure and habitat for small native wildlife, such as minnows and crawdads, which in turn attract game fish like bluegill and crappie. If you live near a public lake or have a friend or neighbor with waterfront access, consider sinking your Christmas tree this year!
Burning your tree after chopping it up is a viable option, with a few caveats: because some trees are doused in anti-transpirants, designed to retain moisture and keep your tree's needles intact, it is not recommended that you burn your tree indoors. However, it is safe to burn your tree outdoors in a monitored setting. Be sure to check your local ordinances regarding bonfires and untended burns.