UPDATE: The City of Auburn sent a press release last week stating it would pick up Christmas trees. It later retracted that press release, but TCT had already gone to press. The revised press release is below:

In an effort to provide “Superior Services at an Affordable Cost” the City of Auburn continues to explore options for cost-effective and efficient services.

How can you help reduce the cost? The city has established three convenient locations where residents may drop off their Christmas trees. Residents may deliver trees to: Public Works Garage, 296 Gracelawn Rd.; or Mid Maine Waste Action Corporation facility, 1 Goldthwaite Rd.; or Engine 2 Fire Station, 181 South Main St.

What becomes of your Christmas tree? The practice has been for the Public Works Department to chip the trees, generating a material usable as an erosion control medium. At the same time, it helps accumulate tonnage credits towards the state waste recycling and reuse guidelines. For more up-to-date news, please see www.aburnmaine.org.

For Lewiston residents, see page 13 for details on how to dispose of your Christmas trees.