The City's free yard debris pickup program will end for the season on Friday, December 16. Clippings, leaves, and assorted yard debris must be disposed of in brown paper yard-waste bags, cardboard boxes or waterproof trash containers clearly marked "yard debris." Branches must be bundled and tied with string and should be no longer than 4 feet. Yard waste placed in plastic bags will NOT be picked up.

Free curbside yard debris pickup services are offered from mid-April to mid-December only. Yard debris stickers are available in the Mayor's office of Neighborhood Services in City Hall, Room 201 and the Department of Public Works, 700 Allens Avenue. Residents should put out their yard waste on their regular scheduled trash day.

After the December 16th deadline, residents may want to consider composting their yard waste at home or check with your local community garden. The Rhode Island Resource Recovery in Johnston accepts yard waste year-round for a minimum of $20 per ½ ton (1000 lbs.) and $25 per ton (2000 lbs). For more information, contact 401-942-1430.

Christmas Tree Pickup Begins Jan. 4

The City of Providence is also reminding residents of the proper way to dispose of their Christmas trees after the holiday season. The City will begin free curbside pick up of Christmas trees beginning Wednesday, January 4 until Friday, January 14.

The trees will be collected by Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and turned into compost, a natural fertilizer that enriches soil and helps produce healthy plants and trees. Residents are urged to take the following steps to ensure that their tree will be picked up:

• Place trees at the curb on regular trash collection days
• All ornaments, tinsel, lights and tree stands must be removed from trees
• Do not place trees in any type of bag

For more information, contact the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services at 401-421-2489.