Live Christmas Trees

When all the holiday festivities are over, what are you supposed to do with that Christmas tree?  Recycle it!  You can't just throw it in the trash, instead you should bring it to a place that will compost it, or chip it and burn it for fuel.  Many pick-up services that normally don't pick up yard waste through out the winter months will serve their routes for a couple weeks in January, and there are also places you can drop off your Christmas tree. 

Whether you are dropping off your live tree or it is being picked up by your waste hauler, these rules apply.  You must make sure you have removed ALL:

• Ornaments
• Lights
• Tinsel
• Stands
• Bags (That's right-don't put your tree out on the curb in a bag, and if you drop it off you'll likely be required to remove the bag and take it with you.)

Trees that have been painted or flocked (sprayed with paint, glitter, or other material) cannot be composted and will have to be put in the trash.  Next year, consider skipping the paint so that you can compost your tree!

If your tree is taller than six feet, many services will want it cut in half.

If you would like your tree to be picked up for composting, call your yard waste or trash hauler to find out if they offer the service and their schedule for doing so.  Some yard waste facilities also have Christmas Tree collection programs.  These yard waste facilities are all throughout the metro.  Most will charge a minimal fee to take your tree.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial trees should be used as many times as possible.  If you're getting rid of yours, see if there are friends or family who would like it, or ask about donation opportunities around your area.  If it is time to throw your artificial tree, consider if any parts of the tree can be recycled.  If not, the tree has to go in the trash.  Call your trash hauler to find out if they have any special requirements.

Live Wreaths and Greenery

Wreaths and greenery that are made from live evergreen can generally be recycled in the same manner as described above for live Christmas trees.  Again, they must be free of ornaments, lights, tinsel and wire and cannot be painted or flocked.

Gifts Recycling

Explore more of RethinkRecycling.com for tips on recycling cell phones, batteries, gaming systems and other electronics around the holidays.  And of course, don't forget to recycle cardboard gift boxes and appropriate packaging!