Growing up, my dad always insisted on us having a real Christmas tree. Sometimes it was big, and sometimes it was small, but it was never made of plastic.
As the years went on, he grew tired of the hassle of going out and finding the perfect tree. He would float the idea of getting an artificial one, but my sister and I wouldn’t allow it. He had established a tradition, and we wouldn’t let him abandon it.
We left that tree up for as long as we could, often well into January, but it was always inevitable that we’d have to say goodbye.
When it’s time for you to give a fond farewell to your Christmas conifer, there are a few things you should know.
Indianapolis
Marion County residents can dispose of their Christmas tree at one of the city’s drop-off locations from Wednesday, Dec. 25, until Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Dropping off trees at areas other than drop-off locations is considered illegal dumping and punishable by fines up to $3,000.
Tree stands and all ornaments, tinsel, lights, wires and decorations must be removed before drop-off. The collected trees are mulched into various soil blends by GreenCycle.
Drop-off locations for tree disposal are:
- Ellenberger Park | 5301 E. St. Clair St. | Northeast corner by the pool
- Garfield Park | 2432 Conservatory Drive | in front of the MacAllister Amphitheater
- Northwestway Park | 5253 W. 62nd St. | to the left of the entrance
- Perry Park | 451 E. Stop 11 Road | to the left of the Stop 11 main entrance
- Riverside Park | 2420 E. Riverside Drive | by the basketball court
- Sahm Park | 6801 E. 91st St. | near the recycling bins
- Riverwood Park | 7201 Crittenden Ave. | Riverwood parking lot
Trash, heavy trash and recycling pickup will be delayed one day the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s Day.
If there is at least 2 inches of snow on the ground, clear a 4-foot space on each side of your cart and recycling bin to allow space for collection trucks.
Speedway
If you live in Speedway, you don’t need to worry about the hassle of tying your tree to the roof of your car à la Clark Griswold.
Christmas tree pick-up service will occur the first two weeks of January on regularly scheduled trash days. Trees will be ground into compost.
Trash pickup will be delayed one day on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Lawrence
Lawrence residents can drop off their tree at one of the city’s drop-off locations listed above.
Trash pickup will be delayed one day on the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Beech Grove
Beech Grove residents can drop off their tree at one of the Indianapolis’ drop-off locations listed above.
Trash pickup during the week of Christmas will operate as follows:
- Tuesday routes will be collected on Tuesday, Dec. 23
- Wednesday routes will be collected on Wednesday, Dec. 24
- Thursday routes will be collected on Friday, Dec. 26
- Friday routes will be collected on the following Monday, Dec. 29
Trash pickup during the week of New Year’s Day will operate as follows:
- Tuesday routes will be collected on Tuesday, Dec. 30
- Wednesday routes will be collected on Wednesday, Dec. 31
- Thursday routes will be collected on Friday, Jan. 2
- Friday routes will be collected on the following Monday, Jan. 5
Other options
For those unable (or unwilling) to bring their tree to a drop-off location, you can reach out to a private junk hauler such as LoadUp or Fire Dawgs and arrange a pickup time.
Just make sure you remove all decor from the tree.
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Peter Blanchard covers local government. Reach him at 317-605-4836 or peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @peterlblanchard.
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