Woodburn Independent Online

Woodburn residents can get Christmas trees picked up for free

• By: Rachel Cavanaugh  
• Published: 12/22/2009 10:47:15 AM

Woodburn’s garbage service will be offering free Christmas tree pick-up for the first time this year.
 
Earlier this month, United Disposal Service (UDS) announced it will take trees from residential curbsides free of charge between Dec. 28 and Jan. 8.
 
The trees must be placed by the curb on regular yard debris pickup days, which vary from home to home. UDS officials have asked residents to remove all ornaments and tinsel.
 
General Manager Robin Murbach also noted they cannot take the trees that have been flocked with white powder or fake snow.
 
The idea of the new program, the general manager said, is to improve customer relations.
“We just thought it would be a nice service to offer our customers,” Murbach said.
 
The general manager noted a separate vehicle will patrol on yard debris days to pick up the trees, which will be taken to a compost facility in Corvallis.
 
Murbach said the company made the decision after Woodburn city staff inquired about the concept.
 
It is still unknown, she said, how many people will take advantage of the free service.
As of now, many people use nonprofits, pay a fee, or cut the trees up and put them in regular yard debris bins.
 
Murbach said there are not yet cost estimates as to how much the new service will cost, but there is a fee at the compost site.
 
She said, however, the program will save Woodburn residents money and effort.
 
“We are pleased to offer this increased service to our customers and wish them a happy holidays,” Murbach said.

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