CONTACT: Thurston County Public Works, 360-867-2491 or ThurstonSolidWaste@co.thurston.wa.us

Christmas Tree Recycling for Thurston County Residents

OLYMPIA – When the holidays wind down and the decorations get packed away, it’s time to figure out what to do with the Christmas tree. This season, free tree collection and drop-off opportunities are available county-wide. 

To prepare your natural tree for recycling, please remove all ornaments, lights, stands, nails, and tinsel prior to drop-off. Flocked trees are accepted. Search “Christmas tree” in the online directory at WhereDoITakeMy.org for program details.

Drop-off Locations 

All Thurston County residents: Trees are accepted at the Waste and Recovery Center located at 2420 Hogum Bay Road NE in Lacey from December 26–January 18 (closed January 1). Hours of operation are Monday–Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Customers must first check in at the inbound scale. Anyone with waste in addition to a tree should expect to make two trips across the scale.

Rainier residents: Take trees to the Rainier Drop-box Facility at 13010 Rainier Acres Road SE from December 26–January 18. Hours of operation are Friday–Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Rochester residents: Take trees to the Rochester Drop-box Facility at 16500 Sargent Road SW from December 27–January 18. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Tenino residents: Take trees to 418 Wichman St S from December 27–January 18.

 Yelm residents: Place trees in a designated dumpster at 15425 WA 507, at the intersection of Mill Rd and WA 507, anytime from December 26–January 16.

Pick-Up Information

LeMay food/yard waste customers: Place your tree in or near your food and yard waste cart in sections 3 feet or less. Extra fees apply for customers not signed up for food and yard waste collection. Call LeMay at 360-923-0111 for information.

City of Lacey residents: BSA Troops 222 and 9207 will provide curbside pick-up of holiday trees on January 3. Trees must have all decorations removed and be placed curbside in front of homes by 8:00 a.m. The Scouts accept and appreciate donations for this great community service. Donations can be made online at www.troop222wa.org or by mailing BSA Troop 222, PO Box 5379, Lacey, WA 98509. For more information, call 360-491-3214 or visit the city’s Holiday Tree Round-Up website at https://cityoflacey.org/holiday-tree-roundup/.

City of Olympia garbage customers: For customers with Tuesday/Wednesday service, tree pickup will be on January 10. For Thursday/Friday service, pickup will be on January 17. Place trees in the regular garbage pickup spot by 6:00 a.m. Trees over 6 feet must be cut in half. Call City of Olympia at 360-754-8340 for more information.

City of Tumwater residents: Place undecorated trees behind the curb near the closest main intersection beginning January 12. Keep sidewalks, bike lanes, and roadways clear when dropping off trees. It may take several days for crews to pick up all trees. For more information, contact Tumwater Public Works at 360-754-4150.

Multi-family complex residents: Check with your property manager for tree placement locations.