Area groups want to take Christmas tree off your hands
Editor's note: This list has been updated for 2017.
Ahh, the day after Christmas. In the coming days — or weeks — there are decorations to be put away, toys to put together, wrapping paper and boxes to recycle ... and the tree. It was lovely, but alas, it can’t stay.
Good news is you have options. Once you have all the ribbon, lights and ornaments off, you can cut up real trees and put them in the green yard debris bin. Of course if you have a chipper or want to rent one, you can turn your tree into part of your garden by mulching it.
You can also burn your tree if you let it dry out.
“My recommendation would be to wait a couple of months at least and keep it in a dry spot so it doesn’t get wet,” said Kym Pokorny with Oregon State University Extension Service.
She said most Christmas trees season quickly because of their smaller size. She does warn to trim off the branches and only burn the trunk.
If that all sounds like too much work, let a local Boy Scout troop do the work for you and help them raise funds in the process. Or take it right to the recycling source at Highway Fuel. Here is a list of groups in the Salem area that will take your tree, either from your home or at a drop off site.
Composting convenient, great for gardens
Where to recycle your Christmas tree:
KEIZER
US Bank
Where: US Bank, 5110 River Road N
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 30-31 and Jan. 6-7
Suggested donation: $5 drop off or $10 pick up in Salem or Keizer by appointment, proceeds go to Boy Scout Troop 121
Contact: 503-877-4285, keizertroop121.com
NORTH SALEM
Highway Fuel
Where: 6242 Portland Road NE
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays
Cost: $3; drop off only
Contact: 503-363-6444
North Salem High School
Where: At the school, 765 14th St. NE, in the big parking lot on D Street
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 30-31
Cost: Suggested donation $5 drop off and $10 pick up if within 5 miles of the school; benefits North Salem youth football
Contact: 503-999-1085 for tree pickup
Hayesville Elementary
Where: 4545 Ward Drive NE
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 30-31
Suggested donation: $5 for drop-off or $10 for pick up in area near Chemeketa Community College; flocked trees and wreaths are OK; pick-up areas Hayesville, JanRee, Oak Park, north Lancaster, McKay Park. Proceeds go to Boy Scout Troop 20 and Cub Scout Pack 20
Contact: 503-580-5376
SOUTH SALEM
South Salem Walmart
Where: 5250 Commercial St. SE
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 29-Jan. 1 and Jan. 6-7
Suggested donation: $7 to $10 for drop-off and $10 to $20 for pick up; $25 flocked; proceeds go to Boy Scout Troop 19
Contact: 503-463-1073
Liberty Christian Church
Where: 4764 Skyline Road S
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 29-Jan. 1 and Jan. 6-7
Suggested donation: $7 to $10 for drop-off and $10 to $20 for pick up; $25 flocked; proceeds go to Boy Scout Troop 19
Contact: 503-463-1073
Safeway
Where: 5660 Commercial St. SE
Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 30 and Jan. 6; and pick up during those times in 97306 area
Suggested donation: $10
Contact: 503-930-3985 or 503-409-0207
U.S. Banks South Salem
Where: Liberty Road and Cunningham Lane S or Commercial Street and Madrona Avenue SE
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 30-Jan. 1, 6-7; pick up only in South Salem area
Suggested donation: $9 regular trees; $50 flocked trees; proceeds go to Boy Scout Troop 108
Contact: 503-589-9636 or search Troop 108, Salem Oregon on Facebook
WEST SALEM
Peace Lutheran Church
Where: Drop off at 1525 Glen Creek Road NW or get it picked up in West Salem; have your tree at curbside by 9 a.m. for pick up
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 6
Suggested donation: $5 for drop-off and $7 pick up, proceeds go to Boy Scout Troop 150
Contact: Text address to 971-701-0034 for pick up
MONMOUTH, INDEPENDENCE and DALLAS
Pick up only
Where: Call/Email to arrange pick up.
Dates: Monmouth and Independence: Dec. 30, Jan. 6, 7, 13, 14; Dallas: Jan. 7, 14
Suggested donation: Cash or check donation; make checks payable to Boy Scout Troop 38
Contact: 503-893-8380, t38trees@yahoo.com; leave name, address, date to pick up and return phone number.