Christmas tree pick-up to begin Jan. 3 in city

The Greencastle Department of Public Works will be conducting its annual Christmas tree pick-up starting Jan. 3 and continuing through Jan. 17.

Residents within the city limits of Greencastle are advised to place only their live Christmas trees (no tree stands or decorations) between the curb and sidewalk.

Those who do not have a curb or sidewalk are asked to put their trees out near the street, but not in it where it could become a traffic or drainage problem.

Greencastle Department of Public Works crews will be following the trash-route schedule for Christmas tree collection.

"So please have them out the day before," Greencastle Street Commissioner Brad Phillips instructs, "because we only go through each day's route once during the week unless we are ahead of schedule."

The Christmas tree pick-up operation is considered weather permitting, Phillips said. If there is snow or ice, the crew may get behind due to the weather.

Residents are also reminded that no plastic bags or plastic trees will be collected.

Anyone in need of more information may call the Department of Public Works at 653-3391.

Meanwhile, during the December City Council meeting, Phillips was asked how the annual leaf pick-up effort went this year.

His department added two days to the now-completed effort this year. Total cost of city leaf collection, Phillips reported, was a little more than $21,000 in manpower, gasoline consuimption and other related costs.

The Council noted that a few random piles of leaves still remain curbside in some areas of town. Although those residents obviously missed the leaf schedule, they can have still dispose of them in the blue trash bins, Phillips said.

They should not, however, put any leaves or limbs in their recycling bins.