Christmas tree recycling options available for residents of Thurston County

A number of Christmas tree recycling locations are now open for residents of Thurston County.

All residents can take their trees to the Waste and Recovery Center at 2420 Hogum Bay Road NE in Lacey from Dec. 26 to Jan. 18, 2026. The center will be closed on Jan. 1.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

"Customers must first check in at the inbound scale. Anyone with waste in addition to a tree should expect to make two trips across the scale," said the county in announcing the drop-off sites.

Rainier residents can take trees to the Rainier Drop-box Facility at 13010 Rainier Acres Road SE from Dec. 26 through Jan. 18. Hours of operation are Friday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Rochester residents can take trees to the Rochester Drop-box Facility at 16500 Sargent Road SW from Dec. 27 through Jan. 18. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Tenino residents can take trees to 418 Wichman St. S from Dec. 27 through Jan. 18.

Yelm residents can place trees in a designated dumpster at 15425 WA 507, at the intersection of Mill Road and WA 507, anytime from Dec. 26 through Jan. 16.

Pick-up information

LeMay food and yard waste customers can place trees in or near their food and yard waste cart in sections 3 feet or less. Extra fees apply for customers not signed up for food and yard waste collection. Call LeMay at 360-923-0111 for information.

For Lacey residents, BSA Troops 222 and 9207 will provide curbside pick-up of holiday trees on Jan. 3. Trees must have all decorations removed and be placed curbside in front of homes by 8 a.m. The scouts accept and appreciate donations for this great community service.

Donations can be made online or by mailing BSA Troop 222, PO Box 5379, Lacey, WA 98509. For more information, call 360-491-3214, or visit the city’s Holiday Tree Round-Up website.

For City of Olympia garbage customers with Tuesday or Wednesday service, their tree pickup will be on Jan. 10. For Thursday and Friday service, pickup will be on Jan. 17.

Place trees in the regular garbage pickup spot by 6 a.m. Trees over 6 feet tall must be cut in half. For more information, call 360-754-8340.

City of Tumwater residents can place undecorated trees behind the curb near their closest main intersection beginning Jan. 12.

Keep sidewalks, bike lanes and roadways clear when dropping off trees. It may take several days for crews to pick up all trees. For more information, contact Tumwater Public Works at 360-754-4150.

Multi-family complex residents should check with their property managers for tree placement locations.

"To prepare your natural tree for recycling, please remove all ornaments, lights, stands, nails, and tinsel prior to drop-off. Flocked trees are accepted. Search “Christmas tree” in the online directory for program details.