Seattle Public Utilities customers who pay for curbside yard-waste collection can put their Christmas trees and greens out for free pickup on their regular yard-waste collection day — as long as the tree is not flocked or still decorated.

Trees must be cut into sections no longer than 6 feet from top to bottom, with branches trimmed to less than 4 feet. Sections should be bundled with twine.

Trees with tinsel or ornaments will be treated as extra garbage. They must be cut into 3-foot pieces, and each will be charged at $5.50.

Seattle residents can drop off holiday trees and greens for free at the city's north and south recycling and disposal stations today through Jan. 16. For composting, trees must be cut into sections no longer than 8 feet, and the trunk must be no bigger than 4 inches in diameter. The limit is three trees per vehicle, and only trees without decoration or flocking can be recycled.

The city's two recycling and disposal stations — 1350 N. 34th St. and 8100 Second Ave. S. — are open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. but will be closed on New Year's Day. More information: 206-684-8400.

Regional honor

The Puget Sound Regional Council is accepting nominations for its 10th annual VISION 2020 Awards, which recognize inspiring projects and programs during the past 12 months.

The council, an association of more than 80 cities, towns, counties, ports and state agencies, develops policies on regional growth and transportation issues in the four-county central Puget Sound region. Each year, the council honors projects and programs that, in its estimation, improve the vitality of the region. Past winners have been honored for developing neighborhood parks, building affordable housing and creating jobs.

Nomination forms are available online at psrc.org/projects/awards; or call Michele Leslie at 206-587-4819. Deadline is Jan. 5.

Here & Now is compiled by Suesan Whitney Henderson, Seattle Times staff. To submit an item, e-mail herenow@seattletimes.com or call 206-464-2226.