The unforgettable year of 2020 is coming to an end, and with it, perhaps this year’s holiday tree that needs to be recycled.

Both cities of Frisco and McKinney offer outlets to dispose of holiday trees, including methods that by nature encourage social distancing.

Frisco

Frisco residents have curbside holiday tree recycling at their disposal. The city will collect and recycle trees into compost and mulch, according to the Frisco website.

Trees should comply with these guidelines, the city stipulates on its website:

• Trees must be no more than 4 feet in length or 60 pounds each, and should not be cut into sections.
• Do not cover trees with a plastic bag.
• Place trees out on regular trash/recycling collection days at the edge of the property and at least 3 feet from carts.
• Remove supports (metal and wood), electrical wiring, lights, tinsel, ornaments and all other decorations.
• Flocked trees are not accepted, as they are sprayed with a chemical to look like they are covered with snow. That chemical prevents composting of these trees. Residents can call Frisco Environmental Services to schedule a bulk pickup to remove flocked trees at 972-292-5900.

“Do-it-yourself” disposal for trees and other holiday trash is another option that is set up at the Custer Road Transfer Station, 9901 Custer Road in Plano.

Residents may bring their driver’s license and a matching, current copy of their Frisco water bill to receive up to two free visits per month. Live, natural trees (not flocked) can be recycled at the transfer station, and flocked trees/artificial trees can be discarded as trash.

McKinney

McKinney offers similar services to Frisco. The city will collect trees between Dec. 26-Jan. 16 for composting.

Guidelines for tree retrieval from McKinney’s website are listed below:

• Remove lights and ornaments.
• Trees with flocking are considered trash.
• Trees should not be bagged.
• Place trees next to trash containers on a regularly scheduled trash day.

Questions should be directed to the city’s waste department at 469-452-8000.

McKinney also offers locations where residents can drop off trees for recycling. Drop-off is not available for disposal of commercial inventory, according to the city website.

Signs will be posted at these locations:

• Al Ruschhaupt Soccer Fields at Park View Avenue, north of the soccer complex parking entrance
• Gabe Nesbitt Park at Hillsdale Drive, south of the PSA McKinney gym and west of the baseball fields

Trees must be free of decorations, lights and flocking.

McKinney will also compost natural decorations, including poinsettias, pine garland and wreaths. The city’s website says residents should place natural decorations in brown paper bags next to trash containers on regularly scheduled trash days. Any lights over wreaths and garland should be removed.