After the holidays, don’t throw your Real Christmas Tree in the trash. Real Christmas Trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily made into a shelter for local animals or recycled. Here are some recycling options and tips on what to do with your tree after the holidays.
Traditional Christmas Tree Recycling Options:
1. Curbside pick-up
Fairfax, Arlington, and Montgomery County all offer curbside pick-up of real Christmas trees for two weeks after December 25th.
2. Recycling center
Arlington and Fairfax County both offer Christmas tree recycling at local waste disposal centers. In Fairfax County, you can recycle your tree during the first two weeks in January at either the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill complex. This will cost you $1.00 to dispose of a Christmas tree at a recycling center.
3. Nonprofit pickup
Call for an appointment to have a nonprofit organization in your area pickup your tree. Some Boy Scout troops offer Christmas tree pickups for a small donation.
Non-Traditional Christmas Tree Recycling Options:
If you are feeling creative and want to do something a little different this holiday season try one of the recycling options below!
4. Fish feeders
Sunk into private fish ponds, trees make a wonderful feeding area for fish.
5. Bird feeders
Place the Christmas tree in the garden or backyard and use it as a bird feeder and sanctuary. Sting popcorn and fresh orange slices throughout the Christmas tree to attract the birds. (Make sure all decorations, hooks, garland, and tinsel strands are removed otherwise you risk injuring the birds.)
6. Mulch
A Christmas tree’s branches may be removed, chipped, and used as mulch in the garden. Evergreen needles are full of nutrients and will enhance the organic make up of your soil. Tree mulching programs are gaining traction in communities throughout the nation. These programs chip and shred your Christmas tree, then make the mulch available for use in your garden. Check with your local department of public works for information for information specific to your area.
7. Firewood
Cut your tree into firewood this season. Evergreens burn hot and fast which can make them a great firewood option for bonfires.
Important Note: Never burn your Christmas tree in an indoor fireplace or wood stove.Because trees are relatively fresh, they contain oils and sap that may be highly flammable. A serious chimney fire may result.
If you are interested in recycling your Christmas Tree, visit http://earth911.com and search for recycling centers in your area.
