Yule Tree Disposal Rules Vary

TAMPA - For some, the first week of a new year turns thoughts to the future and to one question that arises from the recent past: How do you get rid of that needle-dropping Christmas tree you bought for $75 a month ago.

Fret not. Solid waste departments throughout the Bay area have the answer.

You can saw it in sections and leave it by the curb for regular yard waste pickup. The tree must be a manageable length and all tinsel, metal hooks and decorations have to be removed.

In Hillsborough County, people too impatient to leave the lumber by the road for a few days can take it to one of three waste handling locations:

• 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave., near Sheldon Road;

• 350 Falkenburg Road, just north of State Road 60;

• Or 13000 U.S. 41 in Gibsonton.

Tampa residents also can leave their trees at curbside or take them to one of three waste collection locations:

• 7215 S. Manhattan Ave;

• 112 S. 34th St.;

• Or the recycling center on Sycamore Street on the University of South Florida campus.

In Pasco County, trees will be accepted through Saturday at:

• Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson;

• John S. Burks Memorial Park, 1322 Gene Nelson Blvd., Dade City;

• Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Road, New Port Richey;

• Shady Hills Park, 15840 Green Glen Lane, Shady Hills;

• Land O' Lakes Community Center, 5401 U.S. 41 (Land O' Lakes Boulevard), Land O' Lakes;

• West Pasco Class III site, 14230 Hays Road, Shady Hills;

• Sam W. Pasco Recreational Complex, 9835 Chancey Road, Zephyrhills;

• Or Anclote Gulf Park, 2305 Baillie's Bluff Road, Holiday.

In Polk County, place trees curbside on yard trash pickup day. Trees can be left intact if they easily can be handled by one person.

Polk County officials said residents can take trees to the landfill, but there will be a charge.

In Pinellas County, some cities have recycling programs that take trees from curbside. Anyone who wants to take trees to a landfill can use the facility at 3095 114th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg.
114th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg.