By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – The holidays bring families together and the joy of opening presents and gift giving is always a special time but with the fun also comes plenty of excess trash and large oversized boxes.

However, residents who live in Helena will have a free option available to get rid of this excess trash overflow and live Christmas trees after the holidays.

The city of Helena and Santek will have extra Christmas trash dumpsters located at the Helena Sports Complex for extra Christmas boxes, paper and cardboard. These dumpsters will be available from Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 30. All items must be placed inside the dumpsters and not outside of them.

In addition to trash disposal, there will also be a designated area for disposal of live Christmas trees at the same location.

The live Christmas tree drop off site at the Helena Sports Complex will be available from Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019.

The city emphasized that Christmas related trash and large boxes would only be accepted and other junk and large trash items including old furniture, grills, appliances or non-Christmas related items will not be accepted.

For any questions related to the overflow holiday garbage service, contact Helena City Hall at 663-2161.