Boy Scouts will pick up Christmas trees across Sammamish on Saturday
After the holiday season, disposing the Christmas tree might be a cumbersome task for many families. Luckily, local Boy Scouts are coming to the rescue.
Sammamish Scout troops are holding their annual Christmas tree recycling event on Saturday, Jan. 8, in Sammamish and Issaquah Highlands.
Every year over 200 Scouts and volunteers participate in the effort. Thousands of Christmas trees have been recycled to date over the event’s 37-year run.
This year, the Scouts will canvass every neighborhood street in Sammamish. Trees will be picked up curbside starting at 8:00 a.m.
“Residents are asked to leave their trees curbside near their homes. For condominiums or apartments, residents should check with their association about appropriate tree placement,” Gary Tornquist, the volunteer chair for this event, said.
After the trees are collected, they will be chipped in city parks by Devoted Tree Solutions, a local tree cutter that is donating their chipping services to the Scouts. Trees from Issaquah Highlands are taken to the Highlands maintenance yard. Late pickups will be brought to DTG Recycle in Redmond, another sponsor of the tree drive.
This recycling event is one of the main fundraisers for local Boy Scouts each year, directly funding six Scout troops on the plateau. The Scouts encourage residents to include a suggested donation of $15 to $25 per tree.
“The funds are used for purchasing supplies, hosting summer and winter camp registrations, high adventure trips, and local outings in the Pacific Northwest,” Tornquist said.
Those who want to donate money can do so online, or place a check inside a plastic Ziploc bag and attach it to the tree.
“Scouting is more than merit badges and outdoor activities. Service and leadership development are important parts of the program as youth lead their own activities and learn how to be self-reliant and give back to others,” Tornquist said.
Please visit the Scout Tree Drive website for tree recycling instructions, email reminders, and contact information.
