Ready to pull off those blinking lights, pack away ornaments and sweep up the pine needles? O'ahu residents may dispose of Christmas trees through curbside green-waste collection.

• If you live in an area using green carts, trim bare trees — without decoration and tinsel — so they fit inside the cart with the lid closed.

• To use the bag collection system, cut and bundle trees to 3-foot lengths and place curbside on your green-waste collection day.

• Condo residents may drop off trees at any refuse convenience center or directly to the composting facility — there is no tip fee charged for Christmas trees over the holidays, courtesy of the city — according to the Honolulu Department of Environmental Services.

For more information, visit www.opala.org and click on "Holiday Trash Tips" or call the Department of Environmental Services, 768-3200.

— Maureen O’Connell

RECYCLE UNWANTED GOODS

DONATE ITEMS TO START NEW YEAR FRESH

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii is hoping you'll start the new year by donating gently used clothing and household items. Items can be taken to one of its seven retail stores or 10 attended donation centers on O'ahu.

Goodwill provides education, job training, job placement, career development, immigration assistance services and youth services for local residents. For more information, including the hours of the location nearest you, visit www.higoodwill.org or call 836-9675.

— Mike Gordon