Disposing of Christmas trees, old batteries

CR&R will pick up Christmas trees curbside for two weeks following Christmas. Stands and ornaments must be removed and trees over six-feet must be cut in half. Due to New Year’s Day falling on a Monday, trash service will be delayed by one day next week. File Photo.

For safety reasons and convenience, residents may not want to cherish their dried out Christmas trees for too long after the holiday.

CR&R will pick up Christmas trees curbside for two weeks after Christmas providing stands and ornaments are removed and trees over six-feet are cut in half. Due to New Year’s Day falling on a Monday, trash service will be delayed by one day next week.

CR&R can also help residents get rid of other large bulky items like sofas, appliances and televisions (not to exceed 27 inches). Residents can schedule two special pickups a year. The pick-up service is free with a maximum of four bulky items allowed per year.

For more information or to schedule a special pickup, contact CR&R at 800-755-8112.

Discarding old batteries

Many residents have stocked up on fresh batteries for their new electronic “toys” this holiday season. As disposable batteries wear out, residents should be mindful of state laws that require all batteries in California that are intended for disposal to be recycled or taken to a household hazardous waste disposal facility, a universal waste handler or an authorized recycling facility. Batteries are considered hazardous because of the metals and/or other toxic or corrosive materials they contain.

Two local places residents may dispose of old batteries are at Canyon Lake City Hall in the Towne Center and the Lake Elsinore Senior Center at 420 E. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Elsinore.

For questions regarding hazardous waste disposal, contact the Riverside County hotline at 800-304-2226.