Here are different options for Waterloo region, Guelph residents looking to dispose of Christmas trees

As the new year unfolds and the holiday season fades into memory, residents may be wondering how they can get rid of their real Christmas trees. 

In Waterloo region, the annual tree-cycle collection returns for two weeks after Christmas Day. 

The natural trees are picked up via curbside collection and chipped into mulch. 

The trees should be set out by 7a.m. on the usual collection day but they must be cut in half if they're longer than 1.8 metres (or six feet).

Kelsey Leonard is an associate professor at the University of Waterloo and also the founder and director of The Christmas Tree Lab. 

She stressed the importance of ensuring trees are completely bare of decorations before being put out for pick up. 

"We think we do a good job but from other research we've done, we've heard from different entities that folks often will forget things. So really make sure that your tree is fully undecorated," she explained. 

That includes items like tinsel, lights, or any other ornamentations. 

Leonard added that if you're using a plastic bag or sheet to bundle the tree in an effort to limit the needles dropping on your floor, it should also be removed once put on the curb.

The region asks that the trees are kept visible and accessible for collection crews so avoid laying the tree on or behind a snowbank. 

There are many ways for people to dispose of their trees if they're unable to put them out in time for curbside collection. 

Leonard is encouraging people to look into some eco-friendly options.

"There's some really interesting conservation and restoration projects that our lab has been looking at of how Christmas trees are being used for ecosystem restoration," she said. 

"So that's another really amazing way that your tree can go back to nature after bringing you joy for the season."

Trees for Tots

Residents in Guelph and Wellington County can donate their trees in a way that will not only give back to nature, but also to local youth. 

Trees for Tots is back for its 13th year.

People who live in Guelph, Eramosa, Puslinch and Rockwood have until noon on Jan. 7 to register for the annual initiative. 

For a suggested donation of $15, volunteers will stop by to collect the registered trees on Jan 11. 

"There's over 100 trucks and they go out one morning in January and pick up usually over 3,600 trees," explained Amanda Kavchak, director of marketing and communications with the Children's Foundation of Guelph and Wellington County.

The money raised will go toward different initiatives within the children's foundation which includes getting youth access to nutritious food or mental health supports.

"We also fund sports, recreation and education support such as tutoring or even things like lifeguarding, swimming lessons, and different kinds of life skill activities," said Kavchak. 

Last year alone, she said the program raised $93,000.

The trees collected are chipped the same morning and repurposed for various community projects. 

"The Ignatius Jesuit Centre, the Arboretum, we've also partnered with Portage Elora, so a few different partners who would take those chips and use them through different project," Kavchak said. 

Trees for Tots has also partnered with Freshwater Conservation Canada so some trees are kept whole and used for creek restoration projects. 

"A lot of them go to Marden Park and they're used right there in the creek. Some of them are moved to different sites throughout Ontario but most of them will stay right in the community."

She adds the program is a great initiative because it prevents the trees from ending up in a landfill.

"It'll save [residents] the grief of loading up their Christmas tree and taking it down to the dump and it has that added value of a feel-good moment."