WOODLAND, CA (MPG) - From December 26 to January 15, Yolo County residents have the opportunity to recycle up to two holiday trees for free at the Yolo County Central Landfill (YCCL) at 44090 County Road 28H in Woodland or at the Esparto Convenience Center at 27075 County Road 19A in Esparto. YCCL’s tree-cycling process transforms holiday trees into valuable, renewable, and recyclable resources. Trees are biodegradable and will be processed at the county’s state-of-the-art composting facility, converting them back into organic matter. Before processing, residents are reminded to ensure that trees are free of all ornaments, flocking, tinsel, garland, and lights.

The community is also encouraged to gift time to loved ones by assisting them with the safe collection and disposal of hazardous waste this holiday season. By helping friends and family clean out their storage sheds, garages, or barns and bringing items like batteries, bulbs, paints, and cleaners to YCCL’s Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off event every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., you can contribute toward Yolo County’s climate goals. This program is free for Yolo County residents and is conveniently located at YCCL. An excess of hazardous chemicals or old medications can pose risks at home and environmentally if stored improperly. If assisting someone elderly, take advantage of the free at-home pickup program by calling (530) 666-8856 to schedule hazardous waste collection at their doorstep. Residents aged 65 or older or those with a disability may request this service at no charge year-round.

Millions of tons of electronic waste are generated annually during the holidays. If you receive generous gifts such as an upgraded phone, tablet, or television, responsibly offload your previous devices at YCCL. Yolo County residents can recycle electronic waste for free by placing all broken and unrepairable devices in YCCL's recycling totes or by donating working electronics to the Big Blue Barn thrift store.

Holiday parties are another excellent opportunity to practice waste reduction. Minimize waste by using compostable paper plates and napkins, before tossing all food waste and food-soiled paper into the curbside organics container and cleaning any silverware. Be sure to sort Recycle California Redemption Value (CRV) bottles and cans into a blue bin during holiday festivities in order to start 2024 with a cash reward. 

YCCL and the Esparto Transfer Station will be closed on December 25 and January 1 in observance of Christmas and New Year's Day. All other services will be available during YCCL’s normal operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. The Esparto Convenience Center will maintain its regular schedule of every Wednesday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the Big Blue Barn will be open every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a 50% sale on Saturday, January 20, 2024, to support a sustainable start to the new year.

Yolo County extends its gratitude to everyone for properly recycling, composting, and disposing of waste this holiday season. For more information on waste reduction programs offered by the Department of Community Services, Division of Integrated Waste Management, call (530) 666-8856 or visit www.YoloCounty.org/Landfill.