With Christmas now behind us, Islanders are reminded that pickup of their properly discarded Christmas trees will begin January 8th.
“We sincerely hope that all Islanders had a wonderful Christmas holiday,” said Island Waste Management Corporation CEO Gerry Moore. “Anyone looking to have their trees removed are asked to have them curbside by 7 a.m. on January 8th. The trees will be collected during the week, but they have to be out on Monday in the event that you are one of the first stops on the route.”
Mr. Moore said certain guidelines must be met in order for trees to be picked up. They must not be bagged and all ornaments and tinsel must be removed. Trees larger than eight feet in length or 75 pounds in weight must be cut in half and, since they could remain curbside for a few days, it is important that trees do not impede traffic or cause any sort of safety issue.
“It would be best if the trees were secured in some way so they don’t blow onto the highway,” he said.
If homeowners happen to miss putting their trees out on time, Mr. Moore added, they can be dropped off free of charge during the month of January at any IWMC Waste Watch Disposal Centre across the province.
“Also, trees will be accepted during the compost week of the annual spring cleanup in May if the tree is cut in half and meets cleanup guidelines. Islanders have been very receptive to the Christmas tree pickup and it’s great that they have taken to the service so well,” Mr. Moore said. “In fact, during January of last year, over 120 tonnes of trees were received at the Central Compost Facility in Brookfield. We estimate the total number of trees collected last year to be well over 6,000.”
Mr. Moore said the trees must be picked up separately from other materials so they can be kept clean. They are then stored separately at the Central Compost Facility, where they are turned into mulch.