Starting Tuesday, January 3rd the Streets Division will begin Christmas tree collection.  As in years past, there will be two rounds of tree collection – if the weather allows.  All residents needing this service should follow the collection rules outlined later in this release. Keep in mind that plowing and other snow and ice control issues take priority over tree collection, and it could cause delays.
 
The first round of Christmas tree collection will begin on Tuesday, January 3.  Christmas trees placed to the curb by 7am on January 3 in accordance to the rules outlined below will likely be collected prior to January 17, barring any winter weather complications.  Placing your tree to the curb after January 3 could result in your tree not being collected during the first round.
 
The second round of Christmas tree collection likely will begin on Tuesday, January 17.  Christmas trees placed to the curb by 7am on January 17 will likely be collected prior to February 1, barring any winter weather complications. 
 
If you place your tree to the curb after 7am on January 17, you may miss your final collection round. Residents electing to have their trees collected at the curb rather than bringing the tree to a drop-off site are strongly encouraged to have their tree curbside prior to January 17.
 
After the second round of tree collection is complete, crews will transition to other priorities.  Trees set to the curb after the second round of collection occurs in your neighborhood will sit on the terrace until crews begin regular brush collection in the spring.  The official start date of regular brush collection will be announced when that date is known.
 
Wreaths, evergreen rope, garlands, and boughs will not be collected with Christmas trees. These items regularly contain wire that can jam our equipment by becoming entangled inside the chipper. Please place these into your tan refuse cart.
 
Plowing and other snow and ice control issues take priority over tree collection, and this may cause delays.
 
Collection Rules
Trees are processed with expensive wood chippers. These machines can be easily damaged by metal, wire, and other foreign material. To protect this equipment and the safety of our workers we ask that all residents follow these rules.  Failure to follow these rules may result in your tree being left at the curb.

• Remove all tree stands regardless of whether they are metal or wood.
• Remove all light strings, ornaments and other metal objects.
• Remove any tree bags.
• Place trees at the street edge only.
• If trees become buried under snow residents are asked to dig out trees.

 
 
Drop-Off Sites
Residents and City of Madison taxpayers may also bring your Christmas trees to one of our drop-off sites.  The sites are located at 1501 W. Badger Rd. on the southwest side and 4602 Sycamore Ave. on the east side.
 
The drop-off sites are open 7:30am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday.  These hours will remain in effect until expanded hours begin at 8:30am on Saturday, March 25, 2017.
 
You can also get information regarding Christmas tree collection by visiting our website, www.cityofmadison.com/streets, or by calling the brush collection hotline at 608-267-2088.