Perhaps the best way to put the holidays behind you is to get rid of that Christmas tree.
Athens Services, the city’s solid waste hauler, will begin collecting those trees on its normal pickup days through Jan. 13.
Such trees are recyclable. But for Athens to pick them up, you must remove stands, ornaments and lights and tinsel. Place holiday trees at the curb, with those over six feet high cut in half. Trees with flocking or fire retardants are acceptable. Do not leave trees in plastic bags, as the bags can get caught in chipper blades.
Gift boxes, wrapping paper, and other paper packaging can be recycled with your regular paper and cardboard recycling.
Athens will not pick up trash on New Year’s Day. Standard collection days will be delayed by one day for all of next week.
During the holidays, many people get rid of old electronics, as well. Residents should take old electronics to a collection center such as Goodwill or the UCLA S.A.F.E. Drop-Off Center. For details, please visit www.weho.org/services/trash-recycling.
For more information, or to arrange for extra services, contact Athens Services’ Customer Service Office at (888) 336-6100.
