WESTPORT — If you try to dispose of a natural Christmas tree at the town’s trash transfer station, you’re literally barking up the wrong tree.

Natural trees are not considered “trash” by the town’s Department of Public Works since they can be recycled. So they will not be accepted at the transfer station on Sherwood Island Connector.

Instead, head to the town’s yard waste facility at 180 Bayberry Lane. There, Westport residents can drop off natural Christmas trees at no charge. All decorations, including lights and tinsel, must be removed beforehand.

Public Works Pete Ratkiewich, in a statement on tree disposal, also advises that those who have “contracted trash pickups, please check with your hauler to see if they can deliver your tree to the yard waste facility for a fee.”

Other local services that will accept natural trees for recycling include:

• Scout Troop 39 and 139, which will pick up trees from Westport addresses, for a suggested donation, on Saturday, Jan 4. The trees will be mulched into wood chips and donated to the town.
• “Trees for Trout,” organized by the Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited, is sponsoring several area tree-collection events. The recycled Christmas trees will be used to create new aquatic habitats in the Norwalk River.