Most cities are picking up trash one day late this week and next. And many public works departments will take natural Christmas trees left at the curb through the first or second week of January.
Michelle O'Neill has details.
For free pickup, cities require all natural trees to be stripped of all decorations, lights, and stands. Plastic bags aren't allowed either.
In Davenport, live trees will be collected from the curb on regular collection days through Friday, January 12th.
Bettendorf and Rock Island crews will collect real Christmas trees on regular garbage days through January 6th. Bettendorf residents may also put out two bags of trash without stickers. Rock Island will send a separate truck, so place the tree at least three feet away from the trash cart.
Muscatine's tree pickup will continue until the last day of the month.
In East Moline, city workers will collect live trees the second week of January.
In Dubuque, natural Christmas trees will be picked up for composting through January 12th as part of its Merry Mulch Collection Program. But Dubuque does require a yellow yard waste sticker or city brush tie to be attached.
In Galesburg, people can take real trees to Lowe's parking lot to be composted through Thursday, January 4th. It's also okay to leave natural trees at the curb for collection in Galesburg, but they'll be taken to a landfill.
As for artificial trees, Davenport and Bettendorf crews will pick them up on regular, bulky waste collection days. Otherwise, you may donate them to a resale store, church, or non-profit. The Habitat for Humanity Re-Store in Davenport does not accept artificial Christmas trees.
Check your city's holiday schedules and collection policies for more information.