A Simple Christmas 2005...

Keeping it Green - How to Clean Up After the Holidays

In the two weeks following Christmas, 230 extra tons of garbage goes to Portland area waste transfer stations every day. A lot of this extra garbage is packaging, boxes, gift-wrapping, and leftover food. Try to eliminate as much trash as possible. Recycle anything that is recyclable that you are not going to reuse.

Christmas Tree Recycling

On Your Yard Debris Day
You can recycle your Christmas tree curbside on your regular yard debris day. Remove all tinsel, lights, ornaments, wire, nails, stands and other materials that are not part of the tree. Flocking is okay.

As a Whole Tree
Haulers charge $4 for trees under eight feet and $6 for taller trees. (If you put your tree out on just garbage pickup day instead of your yard debris pickup day, the charge is $6 for trees up to eight feet and $8 for taller trees.)

If You Cut It Up
Or, you can cut up your tree and put it out as regular yard debris. Limbs must not poke above the lip of the can; do not pack tightly into the container. The first bundle or can is picked up for no fee. Each additional bundle or can is $1.75 - or, you can spread disposal of your cut-up tree over several yard debris collection days.

Help a Non-Profit
Instead of setting your Christmas tree out at the curb, you may want to help a nonprofit organization. They will recycle your tree for a small fee or request a donation. For a list of a drop-off locations or pickup service groups, call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000 or visit their website page Recycling Christmas Trees.

After The Holidays Cleanup
Recycle your cards, wrapping paper, gift boxes and any other paper items in your scrap paper bag. You can put out more than one scrap paper bag. Fold and flatten your wrapping paper and gift boxes so that they fit into the scrap paper bag(s). Do not include bows, ribbons, foil paper or cards with foil. Do not use plastic bags. Find out where to recycle packaging peanuts or foam blocks (only if they are embossed with the number 6 inside recycling arrows) by calling Metro Recycling at 503-234-3000.

Did you know that you can donate prepared food that has not been served? Local food banks need your help, and can especially use meats and dairy products. If you are giving a party and have leftover food that has not been served, call these numbers to donate: Oregon Food Bank 503-282-0555 - St. Vincent de Paul - Food Program 503-234-1114 - Blanchet House of Hospitality 503-226-3911

For more information, check Metro's food donation program on their website at www.metro-region.org/article.cfm?articleid=742 and click on the "Where can I donate food?" link.