Last week’s icy driving conditions prevented the WSU Lewis County Master Recycler Composter and Master Gardener volunteers from hosting a previously scheduled dayslong holiday recycling event in Centralia.
Because of these circumstances, the recycling program will be extended.
Volunteers will be on hand in the parking lot outside the gate at the Lewis County Central Transfer Station at 1411 S. Tower Ave. in Centralia now through Jan. 15 to accept trees, styrofoam and unwanted holiday lights for recycling from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
All decorations and tinsel must be removed from the trees and wreaths. No flocked or artificial trees or wreaths will be accepted.
The transfer station event will also accept burned out holiday lights, packing styrofoam and food service styrofoam.
All items must be free of tape and labels, and clean and dry. Volunteers ask that individuals bring the styrofoam in clear bags, and sorted by type.
Other holiday items that can be recycled at Lewis County transfer stations in Centralia and Morton, or curbside recycling programs include paper holiday cards, wrapping paper, gift boxes and corrugated cardboard boxes.
The WSU Lewis County Master Recycler Composter and Master Gardener volunteers offer the Centralia area service for free, but will accept donations to support their community education projects throughout the year.
Visitors are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing when dropping off items.
The annual tree recycling event in Centralia is sponsored by the volunteer groups in conjunction with Pacific Mobile and the Lewis County Department of Public Works Solid Waste Utility Division to collect Christmas trees for grinding at a later date. Wood chips are used in the City of Centralia’s biosolids composting program.
The volunteers diverted approximately 14 tons of Christmas trees from landfills last year.
Anyone with questions regarding holiday recycling can call 360-740-1212 or 360-740-1451, or email swu@lewiscountywa.gov.
