Trees will be collected in West Hartford from Jan. 6 through Jan. 17, 2019.

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford Department of Public Works, this year through Paine’s Inc., is set to begin its annual pick-up of Christmas trees on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020.

Trees will be recycled into wood chips and should be free of all ornaments, lights, garland, stands, and any other objects, and should be placed at the curb (not in the street) no later than 6 a.m. on your regular refuse collection day. Trees cannot be in plastic bags.

Because Paine’s may get ahead of schedule, residents do not need to wait for their regular collection day to put their trees at the curb. Although crews may fall behind because of the weather, Director of Public Works John Phillips said to be sure not to put your tree out after your regular collection day.

“We ask that residents leave trees at the curb, and only bring it away from the curb if it snows,” Phillips said, to keep the trees out of the way of plows and so that the trees will not get buried. “Trees stuck in the snow will not be collected. It’s up to the resident to make sure the trees are presented properly so crews can safely collect the trees, avoid injury, and stay on schedule.”

There will be two complete sweeps through the town to pick up trees, and the collection will end – meaning no trees will be picked up after that date – on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020.

Residents may also bring their trees to the town Recycling Center at 25 Brixton St. The Recycling Center is now open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. There are no weekend hours at the Recycling Center until April.

Trees should not be dropped off in town parks.

Contact the Department of Public Works at 860-561-8100 with any questions.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!