WHEN you toss out the Christmas tree, make sure to take all the ornaments and lights off first (Flickr/Nick Amoscato).

Republic Services will provide free pick up of holiday trees during a two-week period, beginning Monday, Dec. 27 through Friday, Jan. 7. Also, in observance of the New Year’s holiday, trash pickup will be delayed by one day on Jan. 1.

If you are disposing of a tree, please remove all ornaments, decorations, stands, tinsels, nails, plastic and lights. Be sure to also place out holiday trees on the curb the night before trash collection day. Flocked trees are not recyclable and are not eligible for the free collection, but may be disposed of in the regular trash container or by scheduling a bulky item pickup.

For questions about holiday trash or tree pickups, call Republic Services at (800) 700-8610 or visit www.republicservices.com.