Now that the holidays are almost over, what do you do if you have to get rid of a real Christmas tree?

The cities offer free Christmas tree collections.

City of Manteca

The City of Manteca Christmas tree pickup runs Jan. 5 thru Jan. 16 on a household’s regular garbage collection day.

You need to set your tree at the curb before 5 a.m. on your assigned collection day.

Standard and flocked trees are accepted.

Remove all ornaments, lights, and decorations. Do not bag your trees.

If you have questions, call (209) 456-8440 or email MantecaSW@Manteca.Gov.

City of Ripon

From now through Jan. 7, Ripon residents can place their Christmas tree along with any pruning and leaves at the front of their property and on the street side at the curb – piles should not block the gutter or impede on any water flow from the rains.

This program applies to only natural Christmas trees. All strands, ornaments, lights, and other décor must be removed from the tree.

The city asks those not to bag or wrap the tree.

Any pruning must be cut to 4 feet or shorter and no more than 6 inches in diameter.

Leaves along with pruning discards should be loose and not placed in containers or bags – do not tie or bundle any pruning.

According to the annual Brush Pick-up guidelines, contaminated piles along with trash, palm fronds, yucca, bamboo, or grass clippings will not be collected.

Residents, in addition, should use their green waste bin when possible, keeping curbs clean while reducing clutter.

Gutters and storm drains should be clear for proper drainage.

There’s no need to contact City Hall to request a pick-up – public work crews follow a scheduled collection route and will visit each street with collection times varying depending on volume and workload.

City of Lathrop

The City of Lathrop via Republic Services can soon pick up those old Christmas trees.

This will take place during the first two weeks of January.

In order to be collected, the following is required:

·         Trees taller than six feet or must be cut in half.

·         All ornaments must be discarded, including nails, tinsels, lights, and tree stand.

·         Only real trees will be accepted.

·         Wrapping paper can be placed in separate garbage bags and placed next to the regular trash carts.

Thursday is New Years Day. Just like Christmas, Republic Services will observe that holiday.

Residents who have regular pick-up services that day will see services delayed by one day.

The annual Leaf and Limb Pick-up services in Lathrop are also scheduled for the first two week of 2026.

That means leaves and limbs not fitting I the organic cart can, instead, be bagged and placed curbside during garbage collection day.

The bagged leaves must not exceed more than 50 pounds.

Brush can be bundled up with string or twine, but not wire.

Limbs, in order for pickup, must not exceed 4 feet in length and be no more than 4 inches in diameter.

To learn more, log on to www.ci.lathrop.ca.us.