Pictured: Christmas trees ready to be mulched.
David Goldstein
It was the week after Christmas, and all throughout the County
Treecycling was very popular. Some even got a bounty of mulch.
The trees were placed in curbside wagons with great care.
We hoped that the recycling truck would be available soon.
Although Christmas tree recycling is an annual tradition, there are many rules, dates, and deadlines that can make it difficult to collect and drop off Christmas trees. Residents in other areas may see the advertisements, fliers and online outreach from each municipality. However, each resident should be familiar with their own city’s rules.
The best treecycling method is to either grind your tree or use the mulch/compost it on site. This will require the least amount time and transport. It will be mulched along with other yard trimmings as long it is free from decorations, stands, or other items.
Place fireproofed trees in garbage bags, not yard waste, and remove decorations and stands. Trees flocked with fake winter are acceptable in all other cities except Thousand Oaks.
These areas are eligible for free whole-tree pickup if you don’t want to cut your tree so it fits into your cart.
- Harrison & Sons and Waste Management/GI Industries collectionUnincorporated areas Dec. 27 through January 7.
- These sa.m.e-haulers (with Athens taking control in Thousand Oaks from Jan. 1 to Jan. 16) were in Camarillo,Thousand Oaks,Simi ValleyAndMoorparkThrough January 7.
- Athens ServicesSanta PaulaThrough Jan. 8.
- Port Hueneme, January 4-14, andOxnardThrough Jan. 29,
Unless you make separate arrangements for special collection, if you plant a tree after a deadline and in an area that is not free of collection, you will be charged special collection. These arrangements can be made by calling your refuse collector to request your bulky item collection.
If you live in a multifamily building that does not have yard waste service, your apartment manager can arrange for separate service with your hauler.
For residents without curbside yard waste service and businesses without homes with yard waste collection bins, drop off sites for Christmas tree recycling are available during business hours. These drop-off locations will be open until Jan. 10 at the following locations.
- Agromin Organics 6859 Arnold Road.OxnardMonday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4.30 pm p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Agromins corporate office at 201 Kinetic DriveOxnard, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m..
- Performance Nursery, 6101 E. Los Angeles Ave. is the Peach Hill Soils retail location.SomisMonday through Friday 7 a.m.-4 pm, Saturday 7 a.m.-2 pm.
- Peach Hill Soils compost site at 10765 W. Los Angeles Ave.MoorparkMonday through Friday, 7 a.m.-4: p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m.-2: p.m.
Residents can drop off their trees at these locations by Agromin or Peach Hill to receive free mulch or compost bags from Peach Hill and Agromin.
Here are some other options.
- Waste ManagementsSimi ValleyLandfill and Recycling Center at 2801 Madera Road offers free tree drop-off Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. (January 15).
- MoorparkThrough Jan. 9, residents have access to a drop-off location at Marquette Street at Park Crest Lane.
- Santa PaulaThe downtown train station dropoff is available through January 8.
- OxnardResidents can drop off trees for free at Del Norte Regional Recycling Station from Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Or at the buy-back centre Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Residents can also dispose of extra trash after Christmas in most areas. Residents in unincorporated areas can get up to two additional 50-gallon bags free of charge on their day of collection from Jan. 8. Ojai residents can double their set-out by using tied bags next to their trash carts and collapsible cardboard next to their recycling. This is available through Jan. 8. Residents of Moorpark can put out up to three additional bags of trash and recycling for free through Jan. 10.
David Goldstein, Environmental Resource Analyst at Ventura County Public Works Agency can be reached at 805-658 4312 or [email protected].