Holiday trash and tree disposal: schedules for the New Bedford and Fall River area

During the holiday season, around 25% more waste is produced than usual. Some holiday traditions create waste, but reusing and recycling can help lessen the impact.

But according to the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District, wrapping paper is not recyclable. If you want to be able to recycle your gift wrap, officials recommend using newspaper, grocery store flyers, paper bags or packing paper. Officials recommend using reusable gift bags, jars or tins for gifts. Bows and ribbons can also not be recycled.

Real Christmas trees put out for garbage pick-up need to be free of ornaments, stands and tinsel.

Here are the local holiday trash schedules and Christmas tree pickups for the SouthCoast area.

Acushnet

Trash pick up will be delayed one day with Friday's collection being on Saturday. The recycling center will be closed on Dec. 22, 23, 29, and 30 for the holiday season.

Christmas tree pick-up will take place the week of Jan. 8 on your regular trash day.

Dartmouth

There is no solid waste or recycling collection on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1, the collection is delayed by one day.

Christmas tree collection for S.M.A.R.T. program participants is scheduled to be picked up on the same day as your solid waste separate truck beginning at 7 a.m. on the weeks of Jan. 8 and Jan. 22. Remove all ornaments, stands, lights, and tinsel. Do not place trees in plastic bags. This schedule is subject to change with unforeseen weather conditions.

Dartmouth residents may drop off real Christmas trees at the brush area located at the Department of Public Works/Water Pollution Control Facility, 759 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth. Permit required. The brush drop-off area will be closing at 10:45 a.m. on Dec. 22 and 29 and it will also be closed on Dec. 23, 25, 30, and Jan. 1.

Fairhaven

There is no solid waste or recycling collection on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1, the collection is delayed by one day.

Christmas tree pick up is from Jan 9 to 12, one day after your regular trash day. Place trees curbside with all ornaments, stands, lights, and tinsel removed at 7 a.m. on the day of pick up. Do not place trees in plastic bags. Missed trees may be dropped off at the gate at the Recycle Center, 5 Arsene St., Fairhaven.

Fall River

Trash pickup will be delayed one day during the week of Dec. 25, due to the holidays. The week of Dec. 26 to 30 will be a "trash amnesty" week, meaning residents can leave extra bags of trash out beside their carts (note: no bulky items). Residents are reminded that wrapping paper is not recyclable.

Christmas tree collection will take place during the weeks of Jan. 2 to 6 and Jan. 8 to 13 during normal trash pick-up times. Trees must be placed beside trash carts and must be free of all coverings and decorations, such as lights, ornaments, or garland. Residents can also dispose of their trees free of charge by bringing them to the DPW yard, located at 10 Lewiston St., during normal hours of operation.