Providing that you chose the real deal decorations over a plastic fraudster, the arrival of the new year will bring with it a new dilemma: just how does one go about disposing of the Christmas tree?
Whether in North Van or West Van, trees can be picked up, dropped off or even disposed of in a charitable manner via the annual chip-up events. For the full rundown of what's available in your area, consult our guide below.
District of North Vancouver
- Trees can be shipped off with other yard waste via curbside pickup, simply chop the spruce into small pieces and put them out inside the closed organics cart on its standard collection date. Stumps and branches can be no larger than three inches in diameter, and no longer than three feet in length.
City of North Vancouver
- Christmas trees can be put out for pickup as part of your year-round yard trimmings or Green Can collection program, provided they are cut into three foot lengths, with the branches of each three foot section tied 'in' with natural string or twine - no plastic string or metal strapping. The bundle must be no wider than one foot in diameter.
- Trees can also be dropped off at the North Shore Recycling and Waste Centre.
West Vancouver
- The district offers curbside yard waste collection, providing trees are cut to three-foot lengths and, again, bundles are no wider than one foot in diameter.
- The West Vancouver Scout Christmas Tree Chip-up events take place at the Tree Lot at Taylor Way and Clyde Avenue this weekend between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and at the Hollyburn Plaza on Marine Drive and 18th St. between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tree drop-offs are by donation, and can be signed up via the North Shore Christmas Trees website.
- Ambleside’s Tiddlycove Lions Club are hosting their own farewell to Christmas at the parking lot at the entrance to Ambleside Park, at the foot of 13th Street. The event will run from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday this weekend, running on donations.
Other chip-up events:
The Upper Lonsdale Preschool will be hosting a tree chipping fundraiser at the District Hall parking lot at 355 West Queens Rd. this weekend. Trees can be dropped off Jan. 7 - 8, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or picked up Jan. 7 - 8 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for a minimum $30 donation. Sign up for pickup via the pre-school website.
The North Shore Recycling and Waste Centre at 30 Riverside Dr. will be taking trees Monday to Friday between 5.30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. A $10 minimum yard waste tipping fee applies, the same requirement as green waste.
In Edgemont Village at the Chevron Gas Station, the Scout Christmas Tree Chip-up is taking trees by donation this weekend between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The same event will also be running this weekend at Ray Perrault Park at Grand Boulevard and 13th Street, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Both are by donation and are supported by Park Royal and Edgemont Village Chevron. To sign up, visit North Shore Christmas Trees.
Hoping to get rid of the decorations too and start afresh next year? Strands of old Christmas lights can also be recycled for free, at any LightRecycle drop-off location.
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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This story was amended on Jan. 4. An earlier edition stated incorrect information for tree pick up in the City of North Vancouver.
