Dispose of trees before they become fire hazard

Residents who want to dispose of their Christmas trees should put them out on the curb sometime before Jan. 10 after removing all of the lights, ornaments and stands, according to CR&R; Waste and Recycling, the company responsible for picking up trash throughout much of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach.

Although Christmas is over, many people keep their trees through the New Year, but keeping them longer than a few weeks could result in a fire hazard, officials said.

Fires occur every year when people keep drying trees indoors too long.

Larger trees should be cut into pieces no longer than 6 feet, CR&R; instructs.

They should be left with the trash on the normal neighborhood collection day.

For more information or assistance, call (877) 728-0446.

— Alan Blank