Boy Scouts and Goats Offer Tree Recycling Options Jan. 3

Baker County residents have two local options to dispose of real Christmas trees on Saturday January 3, 2026, with each event tied to community fundraising and waste reduction efforts. The Boy Scouts in Baker City will conduct curbside pickup beginning at 9 a.m., asking residents to place undecorated trees at the curb so volunteers can collect them. Organizers said donations collected during the pickup will support scout activities throughout the year.

For residents willing to transport trees, North Powder will host a hands on composting fundraiser called "Goat Got Your Tree" at The Compost Chick s compost yard located at 95 Second Street. That event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature goats helping to break down the trees as part of a composting demonstration and fundraiser. Both organizers remind residents to remove decorations and lights before leaving trees at the curb or bringing them to the compost site.

These local disposal options matter to Baker County households for several reasons. The curbside pickup provides a low barrier way for homeowners without transport to responsibly recycle their trees while directly supporting youth programming. The North Powder compost event offers a visible demonstration of on farm composting and a community fundraising model that can reduce transport to landfill or municipal disposal sites.

Timing and simple preparation steps will affect participation and efficiency. Residents should have trees free of ornaments, tinsel, lights, and stands when set out for collection or drop off. Donations are encouraged at both sites to underwrite volunteer labor and ongoing programs, and they help sustain community services that rely on local support.

These events also present an opportunity for civic engagement. Volunteering for the pickup or attending the composting fundraiser gives residents a practical way to support local organizations and reduce the environmental footprint of holiday waste.