If you're wondering how to dispose of the Christmas tree after the holidays, the Bellevue Utilities Department has the answers. Please do not dump Christmas trees in or near streams, as they can block water flow and cause flooding.

Residents with yard debris service can put Christmas trees at the curb for pickup on their regular collection day:

• Trees must be free of all tinsel, ornaments and metal hangers to be accepted. Cut the tree into four-foot lengths or less and tie into bundles less than two-feet wide. Use biodegradable string or twine -- no nylon, plastic or other synthetic materials. Set the cut-up tree next to your yard debris cart.
• Flocked trees (with tinsel, ornaments, etc.) should be cut up and put in garbage. If you have questions, please call Allied Waste at 425-452-4762.

There are other options for disposal of your tree:

• Pacific Topsoils, 1733 127th Ave. NE, will accept trees. There is a $3 fee per tree. Call 800-884-7645 for details.
• Boy Scout Troop 600 will collect trees from the area between Lake Washington and I-405 and from I-90 north to 520, plus Yarrow Point, Hunts Point and Evergreen Point. Or you can take your tree to Clyde Hill Elementary from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7. A $10 donation is requested for pickup or drop off. Call 206-748-1656 to schedule a pickup.
• Boy Scout Troop 662 will collect trees on Sunday, Dec. 31 and Saturday, Jan. 6 in Bellevue: north of I-90 (areas east of I-405) and south of I-90 (all areas). To schedule a pickup, send an e-mail to Troop 662 Tree Pickup. Include a contact name, phone number and address, with unit number if it's an apartment. A $10 donation is requested. Details about when tree will be picked up and preparation will be e-mailed.

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