City will offer free Christmas tree disposal

SOUTH BEND, Ind.—The City of South Bend will offer free Christmas tree disposal for residents within the city limits from January 4 to January 28.

Christmas tree collection will take place on the same day as trash pickup.

Residents can schedule their pickup on the city’s website or by calling 311.

Free pickup only includes the removal of one tree per household. Additional trees can be removed for $10 per tree.

After January 28, any Christmas tree pickups scheduled will be used as the residents' free monthly yard waste extra pickup.

Guidelines for Christmas tree pickup is as follows:

• All trees must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the day of pickup. Trees should not be placed in the street or alley. Cars should not be parked on top or in front of the tree, as this could hamper crews from collecting it.
• All lights, ornaments, plastic coverings/wraps and metals, such as nails or tree stands, must be removed from the tree prior to pick up. Items left on trees can injure employees or seriously damage the tree shredding equipment, leaving it inoperable.
• Artificial trees and trees containing any metal, glass or wire will not be collected. Residents will be responsible for the proper disposal of these items.