This year the city of Grand Rapids will again offer a variety of options for the disposing of used Christmas trees. According to a press release from James Hurt with the Public Services department, the city will offer free disposal beginning Monday, January 2nd and ending Friday, January 13th between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The free disposal will be available at several Grand Rapids parks. The parks accepting trees are as follows: Riverside Park (north entrance), Mackay-Jaycee Park, Lincoln Park, Garfield Park (west parking lot), and Aberdeen Park. See the sidebar on the right for addresses.

While the city is encouraging residents to use the free disposal available at parks, the alternative is to "attach a $1.50 City bulk yard waste tag (purple tag) to the tree and place it in your pickup area by 7:00am on the regular refuse collection day...All ornaments, other decorations, tinsel, nails and tree stands and any plastic bags on the tree need to be removed prior to collection." The city also wishes to remind residents that violations and possible fines will be issued to residents who do not properly tag their trees. Curbside Christmas tree disposal is only being offered during the month of January.

Any resident with questions can contact the Public Services department at (616)456-3232.