Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is encouraging Floridians to make sure their live Christmas trees are disposed of quickly after the holidays. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), leaving a tree up past December greatly increases the chances of a fire incident, as nearly 30% of Christmas tree fires occur in January.
“While it may be tempting to leave the Christmas tree up a little longer this year, it is extremely important to take down your family's tree quickly to prevent a fire-related tragedy. Check your local community for disposal programs and never leave a dry tree sitting in a carport or garage. Dry Christmas trees pose a serious fire hazard and properly disposing of the tree can ensure your family and property remain safe," Patronis said.
Here is information from a number of Bay area counties about Christmas tree disposal.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
- Curbside pickup of live Christmas trees is available by following these steps:
- Remove all decorations, lights, and tinsel
- Cut the tree into sections no larger than 4-feet long and 6-inches in diameter
- Place curbside on your regular yard waste collection day
- Drop off live trees at one of the following Yard Waste Processing Facilities, after removing all decorations, lights, and tinsel:
- 13000 U.S. Highway 41 in Gibsonton
- 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave. in Tampa
Click here for more information.
CITY OF TAMPA
The City of Tampa's Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management will offer curbside pickup of natural Christmas trees following the Christmas and New Year's Holidays.
At no additional charge, residents will receive Christmas tree collection on their scheduled yard waste day, starting Tuesday, January 3, 2023, and ending on Friday, January 13, 2023.
To take advantage of this service, residents must do the following:
• Remove all decorations and lights.
• Ideally, cut tree limbs to four (4) feet lengths.
• Bundle, and place curbside on their regularly scheduled yard waste collection day between January 3, to January 13, 2023.
• All discarded lights and/or decorations are not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage cart.
To receive personalized schedules, download the Tampa Trash and Recycling app from Apple and Google Play Stores.
Customers with any questions or concerns please contact the City of Tampa Utilities Call Center at (813) 274-8811 or visit the website at www.tampa.gov/solidwaste.
CITRUS COUNTY
Citrus County residents can recycle their "natural" Christmas Trees at the Citrus County Landfill, from December 27 through January 31, free of charge.
Artificial trees brought to landfill for disposal will be charged at standard solid waste trash rates.
HERNANDO COUNTY
Live Christmas trees may be disposed of on your regularly scheduled yard waste day if they are cut to less than four-foot lengths and cleaned of all Christmas decorations, including tinsel.
Artificial Christmas tree segments under 4 feet long, and any decorations thereon, may be disposed of as a free bulk item by calling Republic Services at (352) 540-6457 to schedule pickup before January 31st of the new year.
For more information, click here.
ST. PETERSBURG
Participate in the one-time citywide Christmas tree collection event on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. Place the tree out for collection before 7 a.m. in the same location where trash is usually collected - if trash is picked up at the curb, trees should be placed at the curb; if trash is picked up in the alley, trees should be placed in the alley. Do not place the tree inside trash or recycling containers or lean the tree against electrical poles, trash containers, water meters, etc.
Drop trees off at one of the city's Brush Sites below. Brush Sites are open 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Brush sites are closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Residents should bring a photo ID and water bill for proof of residency. More information at stpete.org/brushsites.
1000 62nd Ave. NE
7750 26th Ave. N
2500 26th Ave. S
4015 Dr. Martin Luther King St. S
2453 20th Ave. N
For more information across Pinellas County, click here.
MANATEE COUNTY
- Live Christmas trees can be set out at the curb on your yard waste collection day for recycling. Trees no longer than four (4) feet in length. (Large trees should be cut into pieces 4 feet or smaller). Remove all ornaments, lights, decorations, and stands before placing at the curb. You can also use your free annual special pickup to have your tree collected. Artificial trees are not collected with yard waste.
- Standard alkaline batteries may be tossed in the trash.
- Click here for more information.
POLK COUNTY
Call (863) 284-4319 for information.
Four Tips for Holiday Decoration Disposal & Storage:
Check for local disposal programs. Many communities offer a Christmas tree recycling program and have specific drop off locations or procedures for disposal. You may be able to leave it at the curb at your typical yard waste or bulk collection day. It's best to check with your local authorities for details.
Do not store your tree in the home or garage. A dry tree can pose a serious fire risk when left in a garage or car port. Do not place your tree against the home before disposal.
Use caution when burning a tree. Do not burn your Christmas tree without checking with your local community for their open burn regulations. As with any fire, always keep a fire extinguisher close.
Check lights and decorations before storing. As you pack up light strings, inspect each line for damage, throwing out any sets that have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires. Store electrical decorations in a dry place away from children and pets where they will not be damaged by water or dampness. This can save you from accidentally creating electrical hazards for next year.