Here's how Wellington County residents can dispose of their natural Christmas trees

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Locals looking to dispose of their natural Christmas tree have a few options available. 

The county’s solid waste services division will do curbside collection in urban areas only during the week of Jan. 10. Trees need to be out by 7 a.m. on that day and will be collected throughout the week. 

All county waste facilities will accept Christmas trees at no charge for a month starting Wednesday and until Jan. 29. Food bank donations are accepted during this time. 

The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington expanded their annual Trees for Tots program to include Puslinch and Rockwood last year and this continues this coming year.

“The expansion to Rockwood and Puslinch last year was well received — with January of 2021’s collection year being our largest to date with over 4,100 trees received,” said Amanda Kavchak, Children’s Foundation spokesperson, via email. 

Eligible residents can donate a minimum of $10, registered ahead of time here by Jan. 3, with a pick-up date on Jan. 8 starting at 8 a.m.

Kavchak said the trees are picked up and brought to chipping stations set up around Guelph and Puslinch where they are returned to nature through different revitalization projects. 

“This year we have teamed up with four different organizations to donate whole trees and tree chips including Ignatius Jesuit Centre, Trout Unlimited, Portage Elora and the Arboretum,” Kavchak said. “These trees are used for many different projects including walking trails, creek restoration and much more.”

Kavchak said there is consideration to expand the service further in Wellington County but the foundation is mindful other organizations offer a similar service. 

This year, the Fergus Elora Belwood Snowmobile Club is collecting trees at the curb on Jan. 8 in Fergus, Elora and Belwood for a minimum $5 donation going to the club. Those interested are asked to call Martin Smith at 519-803-2367 to register and learn more. 

The Kinsmen Club of Drayton is collecting trees on Jan. 8 in Drayton, Moorefield and Rothsay for food bank donations. Trees should be at the curb by 8 a.m. and the donations should be attached to the base of the tree. 

Palmerston’s Lions Club is also collecting trees on Jan. 8 in the town with trees at the curb by 9 a.m. that day. 

More information and other ideas for recycle Christmas trees can be found here.