(KNSI) — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is giving tips about properly disposing of holiday greenery.
The agency says Christmas trees, plants and wreaths should not be used for compost, as they could spread disease and invasive species. Trees should left curbside for collection or taken to a designated drop-off site.
In St. Cloud, the Public Works Department has designated Monday, January 8th, and Monday, January 22nd, for its annual collection of Christmas trees. Remove all decorations because trees with a stand, lights, decorations or any other attachment will not be picked up. Residents must attach a clear city yard waste or green garbage bag to the tree. The bag must be visible and tied to a branch or around the lower trunk. Put the tree in the normal refuse collection area by 6:00 a.m. on the pickup date. Wreaths are not acceptable for recycling because they contain wire.
Trees will be picked up in St. Joseph on January 4th and 11th. There is a limit of one tree per household. All trees must have decorations and stands removed. Residents can place the tree on the ground next to the trash cart by 6:00 a.m. on the day of pickup.
In Sartell, the LeSauk Lions Club will hold its annual pick up on Saturday, January 6th. Have your tree outside at the end of your driveway by 8:00 a.m. with your $10 donation. (Cash, Venmo or Checks payable to the LeSauk Lions) and a non-perishable food item. Send a message with your address via messenger or lesauklions@gmail.com to be added to the pickup list. All donations go to help families and children in central Minnesota.
Sauk Rapids residents can take their trees to the city-owned compost site on January 6th and 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The tree will be taken with a non-perishable food donation. Even those living outside the city can bring their tree to the site and get rid of it, provided they bring a food donation along.
In Waite Park, people can place their tree in the usual garbage pickup location from January 8th through the 12th. Residents should have their trees out by the curb on January 8th because it will take the city all week to get the evergreens cleared, and crews will not go back to get any trees that are left behind.
Wreaths and other decorative items can be dropped in the trash. Some items can be burned, but that should only be done as a last resort.
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