The holiday season has wrapped up but many people still have Christmas trees, particularly if they are the kind you can't tuck away in a box.
Vancouver residents looking for a place to drop off their real Christmas trees in the city have several options, including one where they don't have to leave their homes. Otherwise, some events raise money for local charities while taking the trees for free.
Have a look at the options for Christmas tree disposal in Vancouver this year.
Christmas Tree Recycling at UBC
The University of British Columbia (UBC) invites locals to bring their old Christmas trees to the UBC Botanical Garden where they will be chipped and used on the garden's pathways.
UBC will also collect donations at the event to support students at Twelfth Ave Elementary in Burnaby with renovating their gardening space. The SPEC (Society Promoting Environmental Conservation) will help students at the inner-city school to "replace three old and damaged garden beds, purchase compost and create a pollinator-friendly habitat."
UBC asks that you take the following steps if you want to drop your tree off in the garden:
- Remove all decorations and tinsel.
- Drop off your tree at UBC Botanical Garden. Follow the signs and place your tree behind the orange posts. They will be chipped into mulch and used on garden trails.
- Do not deposit yard trimmings with your tree – invasive plants from other areas can harm the Garden.
- A suggested minimum donation of $5 is appreciated.
When: Through Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: UBC Botanical Garden - 6804 SW Marine Dr
Cost: By donation, with a minimum of $5 appreciated
City of Vancouver chipping events
Locals can bring their trees, with lights, ornaments, and tinsel removed, to a chipping event for chipping and composting. Cash and non-perishable food donations will also be accepted and distributed to local charities.
Artificial trees and ones sprayed with artificial snow or foam are not accepted.
When: Saturday, Jan. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: King George Secondary School parking lot - 1755 Barclay St; Kitsilano Beach parking lot - Cornwall Avenue and Arbutus Street; Magee Secondary School parking lot - 6360 Maple St; Trout Lake Community Centre parking lot - 3360 Victoria Dr.
Cost: By donation, with a minimum of $5 appreciated
City of Vancouver curbside green waste collection
The city will also collect Christmas trees during regular green waste collection.
Cut your Christmas tree into small pieces - under 50 cm long and under 10 cm wide - and place them in your green bin.
Make sure the green bin is loosely packed and the lid is closed.
Folks who miss the pickup can also drop trees off for free at the Vancouver South Transfer Station or Vancouver Landfill until Jan. 31.
