Last winter, more than 50,000 pounds of Christmas trees were composted in Jackson Hole instead of being buried in a landfill. The free program returns this year, with one key change to where and when trees can be dropped off.
Clean, undecorated Christmas trees can be dropped off for composting at two locations: The Rodeo Grounds site will accept trees through this weekend (Sunday, Jan. 11), while the Teton County Trash Transfer Station will accept residential Christmas trees throughout the entire month of January, during regular business hours.
“We know many people are used to bringing their trees to the Rodeo Grounds later in January,” said Cindy Harger, waste diversion outreach specialist for Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling. “By directing later drop-offs to the Trash Transfer Station, the staff from the Town of Jackson, Teton County and Arbor Works are able to manage the program more efficiently and with less contamination, while still offering free composting all month long.”
All trees must be free of lights, ornaments, tinsel and stands to be composted, Harger cautioned.
The Teton County Trash Transfer Station is located at 5400 W. US Highway 89.
The program has had a measurable local impact. In the last decade alone, about 320 tons, or 640,000 pounds, of trees have been collected under the annual program — material that would otherwise have been hauled to Idaho and buried indefinitely. Instead, the trees were turned into compost, supporting local waste diversion efforts and sending valuable organic material back to the earth.
“We really appreciate how committed this community is to making environmentally conscious choices,” Harger said. “Something as simple as composting a Christmas tree can make a big difference.”
For more information about Christmas tree composting and other waste reduction programs, visit TetonCountyWY.gov/Recycle or call call 733-7678.