​OLYMPIA – When the holidays wind down and the decorations get packed away, it's time to figure out what to do with the Christmas tree. This season, free tree collection and drop off opportunities are available countywide.

To prepare your tree for recycling, please remove all ornaments, lights, stands, nails, and tinsel prior to drop-off. Flocked trees are accepted.

Drop-off Locations

All Thurston County residents: Trees are accepted at the Waste and Recovery Center located at 2420 Hogum Bay Road NE in Lacey from December 26 – January 13 (closed January 1). Hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Saturday – Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Rainier residents: Take trees to the Rainier Drop Box Facility at 13010 Rainier Acres Rd. from December 28 - January 13. Hours of operation are Friday - Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rochester residents: Take trees to the Rochester Drop Box Facility at 16500 Sargent Rd. from December 29 - January 13. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tenino residents: Residents can take trees to 418 S. Wichman St. from December 29 - January 19.

Yelm residents: Residents can place trees in a designated dumpster at Yelm City Park anytime from December 28 – January 11, or until the dumpster is full.

Pick Up Information

LeMay yard/food waste customers: Place your tree in or near your yard/food waste cart (in sections 3 feet or less). Extra fee(s) apply for customers not signed up for yard/food waste collection. Call LeMay at 360-923-0111 for information.

City of Lacey residents: Local Boy Scouts will provide curbside pick-up of holiday trees on Saturday, January 5, for residents within the Lacey city limits. Trees must have all decorations removed and be on the curbside in front of homes by 8:00 a.m. The Boy Scouts accept donations for this community service. Donations can be made online at www.troop222wa.org, or BSA Troop 222, PO Box 5379, Lacey, WA 98509. Contact Lacey Public Affairs at 360-491-3214 or publicaffairs@ci.lacey.wa.us for more information.

City of Olympia garbage customers: For customers with Tuesday/Wednesday service, tree pick up will be on January 5. For Thursday/Friday service, pickup will be on January 12. Place trees in the regular pick-up spot by 6:00 a.m. Trees over 6 feet must be cut in half. Call City of Olympia at 360-754-8340 for more information.

City of Tumwater residents: Residents can place undecorated trees behind the curb near their closest main intersection beginning January 14. Please be sure to keep sidewalks, bike lanes, and roadways clear when dropping off trees. It may take several days for crews to pick up all trees. Contact Tumwater Public Works at 360-754-4150 for more information.

Multi-family complex residents: Check with your property manager for tree placement locations.

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