December 26, 2000 News Release County’s holiday ‘Tree-Cycling’ program begins December 27 Did you know that when you unload your used Christmas tree at one of King County's convenient drop-off locations, you're also helping the environment? That's right. Nearly 50,000 King County families discovered last year that participating in the Tree-Cycling program, sponsored by the King County Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Division, is not only easy and free, but environmentally friendly. Recycled trees are chipped and made into compost for landscaping projects, giving new life to other plants and reducing the amount of waste going to the landfill. The chips, even entire trees, are also used for erosion control, ground cover, trail maintenance, in animal stalls, and on horse riding areas. Last year, King County used 500 intact trees in a wetlands restoration project. Tree-Cycling is made easy with the assistance of the county's Tree-Cycling Partners and 11 drop-off sites. Partners include: Sears (Redmond), Rainier Wood Recyclers (Covington and Fall City), Federal Way National Little League (Federal Way), and the Highline School District (Boulevard Park School). There are several ways for residents to recycle trees: Curbside. Some residents may be able to recycle their tree with normal curbside yard waste. Residents should contact their hauler for details and restrictions. Community groups. A number of community groups sponsor tree collection. Residents should watch for flyers announcing the service. Drop sites. Residents can drop off their tree at one of 11 King County sites free-of-charge after Christmas on the following days - December 27 through 31, 2000, and January 4 though 7, 2001. The drop sites will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Below is a list of locations: First Northeast Transfer Station 2300 North 165th Street (Shoreline) Factoria Property 13260 Eastgate Way (Bellevue) Renton Transfer Station 3021 NE Fourth Street (Renton) Cedar Falls Dropbox 16925 Cedar Falls Road Southeast (North Bend) Enumclaw Transfer Station 1650 Battersby Avenue East (Enumclaw) Vashon Island Transfer Station 18910 Westside Highway Southwest (Vashon Island) Sears Parking Lot 2200 148th NE (Redmond) Rainier Wood Recyclers 27529 Covington Way Southeast (Covington) Federal Way National Little League SW Campus Dr. (next to King County Aquatic Center) Rainier Wood Recyclers 33216 Redmond-Fall City Road (Fall City) Boulevard Park School 12833 20th Avenue South (S 128th St. and 20th Avenue South) The county's Tree-Cycling program applies to Christmas trees only. To be accepted for recycling, trees must meet the following criteria: No artificial, fire-proofed, or flocked trees Remove hooks, ornaments, tinsel, and stands Tree base must be four inches or less in diameter Tree must be cut in sections of eight feet or less The Tree-Cycling program is consistent with the county's Earth Legacy Initiative, which recognizes environmental programs, people and companies working together to improve and enhance air, land and water quality in our region. For more information about Tree-Cycling, call the King County Solid Waste Division at 296-4466 (Voice) or 1-800-833-6388 (TTY), or click the Web site at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/swd. -end-

King County | Natural Resources & Parks | News | Services | Comments | Search Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County. By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site. The details.