Where To Dispose of Your Christmas Tree in the High Country?

A Christmas tree on the curb waits to be taken away. Photo by Ken Ketchie
A Christmas tree on the curb waits to be taken away. File photo by Ken Ketchie

By Jesse Wood

Now that the holiday season is over, it’s time to clear out some living room space and get rid of that Christmas tree before it starts turning brown. Residents of the High Country have a number of disposal options.

Vixster.com 

Vixster operates in Watauga, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, and Wilkes counties. They are currently offering $20 Christmas tree pickup or sign up for a six-month subscription and get your Christmas tree pickup for free. Sign up today at Vixster.com.

Town of Boone

The Town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division will pick up Christmas trees for Town of Boone residents beginning Tuesday, January 3, 2017 through Tuesday, January 17, 2017.  Trees need to be placed curbside on your regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.

Town of Blowing Rock

The Town of Blowing Rock will start picking up Christmas trees right after New Years, until the end of January. Place the tree at the roadside at the usual location where your garbage is picked up. Please do not include it in your regular garbage. In the past, the Public Works department has gone around with a chipper truck and turned the trees into mulch.

Town of Banner Elk

Banner Elk doesn’t have a Christmas tree collection program. For residents within town limits, the town contracts with High Country Waste, which couldn’t be reached for comment on Wednesday. In previous years, customers have been directed to take their Christmas trees to the Avery County landfill. 

Watauga County

Watauga County will collect Christmas trees at the transfer station located at 336 Landfill Road off of U.S. 421 in Eastern Watauga. In the past, trees haven’t counted against their annual tonnage.

Christmas Trees are Recyclable

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, “After the holidays, don’t throw your Real Christmas Tree in the trash or set it on the curb. Real Christmas Trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes.”

Click here to view a number of recycling options.