If you're still trying to figure out how to get rid of your natural Christmas tree, this is the weekend to make that decision.
Organizations and non-profits are hosting tree-chipping stations across Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam today (Jan. 8) and tomorrow (Jan. 9).
By a minimum donation of $5, the efforts are set to help reduce waste normally seen over the holiday season, so the cities are pitching in to ensure trees are properly disposed of in the community.
Port Moody hosted its tree-chipping event last weekend and, between Jan. 1 and 2, raised more than $9,000 for the BC Professional Firefighters' Burn Fund.
About 1,000 natural trees were brought to the Inlet Centre fire hall (150 Newport Dr.) by residents, who remained in their vehicles while wearing face masks in complying with safety guidelines in place by the department amid COVID-19.
"It's a lot of fun. This year, we were able to take a child's tree and burn it and show the parents how quickly a tree will burn if it's inside of a house," said Port Moody Fire Rescue (PMFR) spokesperson Jeffrey Scallion in an interview with the Tri-City News.
"Historically, people have even used candles to light a Christmas tree in the past. So we want people to get away from that and use things that are more intrinsically safe. You know, like an LED light. And of course, when you go to bed, unplug those lights just in case."
In Port Coquitlam, local firefighters are also conducting the tree-chipping station at Fire Hall #1 (1725 Broadway St.) with donations earmarked for the department's charitable society.
The event is taking place until 4 p.m. today and tomorrow.
In Coquitlam, the tree-chipping is set to benefit three community groups:
FRIENDS OF MUNDY PARK
- Jan. 8 and 9
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Spani Pool parking lot (655 Hillcrest St.)
KINSMEN CLUB OF COQUITLAM
- Jan. 8 and 9
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Town Centre Park (Lot A)
SCOUTS FRANCOPHONE de MAILLARDVILLE
- Jan. 8
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Canadian Tire parking lot (1200 Seguin Dr.)
Interested residents are being asked to remove all decorations off their natural Christmas tree before bringing it to the wood chipper.
This includes tinsel, ornaments, strings and stands.
Additonally, natural trees in each community can be placed in a residential green cart for city collection.
However, it must be cut down to one-metre length pieces that are 10 cm in diameter, and the lid must be completely closed.
For more information about both municipalities' stations, you can visit the City of Port Coquitlam and City of Coquitlam websites.
