Does your Christmas tree have bugs? According to Oregon Department of Forestry experts, it might be elongate hemlock scale (Fiorinia externa), a recent threat to our local forests. One way to avoid the spread of this invasive species is to ensure your tree is properly disposed of. One of the safest ways is to take advantage of the County’s free tree disposal. “The Solid Waste Department has historically organized a Christmas tree collection where we were able to put most of the discarded trees to beneficial use in fish habit restoration programs, such as along streambeds,” states David McCall, Tillamook County Solid Waste Program Manager, “but because of this threat of we are not using any trees in such projects this year. Instead, all trees received will be run through a commercial composting program.” McCall explains, “a commercial composting operation involves maintaining temperatures of 131-143 degrees F (50-55 degrees C) for at least three consecutive days, which results in the destruction of pests and pathogens.”
We want to do our part to help prevent the spread of this invasive species, so we have extended our free-of-charge takeback program through January 31, 2019. No coupon is necessary, just bring your tree (cleaned of decorations, ornaments, lights, etc.) to any Tillamook County transfer station during normal working hours.
The Manzanita Transfer Station is currently closed, but we are working to prepare it for reopening in the near future. We will be informing the press and the public of the reopening date as soon as possible. Until then, the public can dispose of their trees (as well as their recycling) at either of the two other transfer stations in Tillamook County:
Tillamook Transfer Station, located at 1315 Ekloff Road, is open daily 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Pacific City Transfer Station, located at 38255 Brooten Road, is open Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
More information on Tillamook County Recycling and Solid Waste concerns visit the Solid Waste website at http://www.co.tillamook.or.us/gov/SolidWaste/Construction-demolition/