Getting Rid Of Your Real Christmas Tree

Some people love the experience of having a real Christmas tree... but getting rid of it can be a REAL pain, too! If you live in Dubuque, the "Merry Mulch" collection is coming up to make things easier for you.

Anderson Sainci, Resource Management Coordinator for the City of Dubuque issued a press release earlier today with the details. If you're getting rid of a tree or other holiday items, here's what you need to know...

Dec. 28, 2020 -- For Immediate Release

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The City of Dubuque is again sponsoring its “Merry Mulch” Christmas Tree Collection and Composting Program, which provides solid waste collection customers a convenient, curbside, Christmas tree collection service, while also beneficially recycling natural trees into compost.

Yard waste bags, bundles and containers, as well as GreenCarts with food scraps, will also be collected on regular collection days for two weeks beginning on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, and ending Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. Residents should set out their trees (maximum of eight feet high) and other compostables next to their refuse on their normal collection day.

• Crews appreciate very large trees cut in half, with no pieces over five feet in length.
• The tree must have either one City Brush Tie or one yellow City Yard Waste Sticker attached and visible from the street or alley. Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, wire, nails, stands or plastic bags.
• Yard waste bags and containers with attached yellow City Yard Waste Stickers will also be collected.  City Brush Ties cost $1.30 each and yellow City Yard Waste Stickers cost $6.50 for a sheet of five. Both are sold at most grocery, discount and hardware stores throughout Dubuque. Annual 2021 decals are also acceptable on containers.

Wreaths and garland contain too much wire to compost. Flocked trees are not compostable. Consider reusing/repurposing these items before disposing of them with your regular garbage. You must attach a green City Garbage Sticker on each of these items, along with every additional bundle, item, bag, or can in excess of your household’s first refuse container and any additional subscribed containers.

As a reminder for post-holiday trash collection, please do not place foil-lined envelopes, greeting cards, gift wrap, Styrofoam, bubble wrap, foam peanuts, plastic bags, or glass in recycling bins - those items are not recyclable. Consider reusing/repurposing these items before disposing of them with your regular garbage.

For additional information, please call the City of Dubuque Public Works Department at 563-589-4250 or visit www.cityofdubuque.org/yardwaste.