Now that Christmas has come and gone, it's time to figure out what to do with that tree in your living room. And if the City has its way, your tree will enjoy a second life as some life-giving mulch or energy-releasing wood chips.
Tree pickup will begin after the new year, and will happen in two batches: the first from January 3 to January 7, and the second from January 10 to January 14.
To dispose of your tree, remove all decorations and place it next to your trash carts on your normal pickup day. They'll be picked up by Recology, the sole company contracted by the City to manage waste and recycling.
The trees will be turned into wood chips and then incinerated in a power plant. Wood chips provide a cleaner alternative to coal-burning plants, which release significant levels of toxins. Of course, burning large amounts of wood can cause ecological problems as well, since fire release tiny particles that cause respiratory problems.
For an even more ecological alternative, you can break down your tree yourself with a hacksaw and start a brand new compost bin. Or you can bring it to the Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood Council at 780 Frederick St. But don't wait: the recycling center in Golden Gate Park was just handed its eviction notice and is expected to close up shop in just a few weeks.
