Christmas Tree Disposal

By Brad Lucht

Christmas is over, the packages unwrapped.  Perhaps you’ve even already written your thank-you notes.  But there comes a time when you must make that final decision … what to do with your Christmas tree. Fortunately, there are many options for disposing your Christmas tree.  

First, it’s important to know that the city does not pick up Christmas trees as part of its regular trash pickup. While residents can place up to 15 bags at the curb during the pickup week of December 26-30, leaf and brush is not included.

“You can’t mix woody or vegetative material in with your trash,” advises Forest Decker, head of the city’s Solid Waste Division.  “Christmas trees can be taken to one of the city’s Leaf and Brush drop off centers.”  

In south Kansas City that location is 10301 Raytown Road, just south of I-435. Drop-offs are free on Saturday, but you will be charged $3 during the week.  The drop off center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but will be closed after January 13.

Grade A Tree Care

Grade A Tree Care, 13404 Holmes Rd., has a program called “Drop a Tree – Feed the Hungry.”  They will accept your tree in exchange for a donation of food or hygiene items that benefit the Community Assistance Council.  

You can drop the tree off at the designated area on the south side of their building; make sure there are no metal or lights remaining. There is a barrel there to collect your donations as well.  

This service is available from December 27 through January 10, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  If you plan on dropping off your tree at any other time, they ask that you call ahead, as the alarm will be triggered as you drive in.

Suburban Lawn and Garden

Another local drop off location is the Suburban Lawn and Garden Yard Waste Recycling Center.  There is a minimal $2 fee.  The yard waste recycling center is located at 201 W 139 St.  They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. .

Damon Pursell Construction

Damon Pursell Construction, 9001 Hickman Mills Dr. accepts tree drop off from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  There is a $10 charge.  The last day you can drop off your tree is January 15.

Compost Connection

Finally,Compost Connect will come directly to your house and collect your tree for you. Pickups begin the week of January 8 and will continue through February 5.  There is a $25 charge, plus $1 for each item they collect.  So if you have bags of leaves or bundles of brush that weren’t picked up by the city, this may be a good option.

Visit the CompostConnection.com web site to schedule a one-time pickup.  You can also call them at 816.761.8300.