Compost your Christmas tree for free

SEATTLE - Now that the presents are unwrapped and the eggnog drank, it's time to think about taking the holiday decorations down.

Instead of throwing away your Christmas tree, Seattle Public Utilities is offering free tree composting starting December 26 and running through January 12th.

Seattle residents who subscribe to curbside food and yard waste collection can put their trees out on their regular collection date at no extra charge.

Trees should be cut into sections of six feet long, with branches trimmed to less than four feet to fit into the collection trucks.  Sections should be bundled with string or non-plastic wire.

Trees that are flocked and/or have ornaments on them will be collected as garbage.  An extra unit of garbage costs $8.60.

Seattle residents can also drop off holiday trees for free at SPU's North and South Recycling and Disposal Stations.

For more information and the location of the drop-off sites, click here.