January 2, 2007 > Holiday Tree-cycling Holiday Tree-cycling By Mona Shah Each year local residents buy hundreds of holiday trees that end up in landfills if they are not properly recycled. Recycling your tree helps ensure the sustainability of our community by saving valuable landfill space. When chipped into mulch, cut trees become valuable organic material used in landscaping projects that help conserve soil moisture and keep plants healthy. Cut trees are recyclable if they are free of all decorations, tinsel, nails, and tree stands (including the wooden stands nailed to the bottom of the trunk). Trees that contain flocking or fire-retardant are also recyclable. Artificial Christmas trees cannot be recycled and must be disposed of in the landfill. They must go out with the garbage. Below find dates for curbside collection on your regular trash collection day. Addresses of service centers where you can drop off your tree are included. Additionally you can cut up your tree and place it in your green recycling bin. Recyclable trees-Free (unless otherwise noted)-Clean green trees only. Non-recyclable trees-$5 or more. Fremont Residents have three options 1. Curbside collection is from January 2-12. Cut tree in 6 ft lengths 2. Fremont residents may drop off their tree Allied/BFI Customer Service Center 42600 Boyce Road, Fremont. For additional information about curbside pickup or service center drop off contact Allied/BFI at (510) 657-3500. 3. Boy Scouts of America Pick-up Service Saturday, January 6, 2007 (one day only) 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Recyclable trees- $5 Non-recyclable trees- $10 Arrange a Pick-up IMPORTANT: All pick-up orders must be placed by Wednesday January 3, 2007. Please make arrangements by calling the City's Environmental Services Hotline to leave a phone registration message at 510-494-4580. The recorded message will prompt you for the necessary information. If you choose to have the Boy Scouts pick up your tree, please do not place it anywhere near the gutter or on the sidewalk. Instead, place your tree on your lawn, driveway or other designated outdoor area (visible from the street) that you arrange with the Boy Scouts. Newark Residents have two options. 1. Curbside collection is from December 26-January 12 Cut tree in 6 ft lengths. 2. Residents may call East Bay Disposal Company at 624-5900 for details on tree pick-up and regulations. Newark residents or businesses may drop off their trees free of charge at the Tri-Cities Recycling and Disposal Facility, 7010 Auto Mall Parkway, Fremont, beginning December 26, 2005. Drop-off of trees will be free of charge to Newark residents and businesses. Participants must provide proof of residency or a business license permit. Union City Residents have two options. 1. Curbside collection is from December 28-January 31 Cut tree in 6 ft lengths. 2. Drop off at Tri-CED 33377 Western Ave, Union City Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cut tree in 6 ft lengths. (510) 429-8030 Milpitas Curbside collection is from January 2-January 12 Cut tree in 4ft lengths. This is the only free service offered by Allied Waste. For more information please call (408) 432-0444. Hayward 1. Curbside collection is from January 2- January 12 Cut tree in 5 ft lengths. 2. Drop off 2615 Davis Street, San Leandro Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (510) 638-2303 Recyclable trees-Free Flocked Trees $25 For more information call Waste Management of Alameda County at (510) 537-5500.