Image via FlickrLast year, 30.8 million live Christmas trees were purchased in the U.S. To prevent crowding the landfills with discarded trees, which can take centuries to fully decompose, Christmas tree recycling programs have cropped up in communities all across the U.S. to make good use of these rich, renewable resources.
From mulch for the garden and wood chips for park trails to submersible fish habitats and firewood, Christmas trees can serve a useful purpose long after the decorations have been taken down.
There are three main ways you can recycle your Christmas tree:
- Curbside pickup: Many recycling companies offer curbside pickup for your Christmas tree.
- Drop-off: Communities often set up a temporary drop-off site for discarded Christmas trees, usually centrally located.
- DIY: If you have a wood chipper, make your own wood chips or mulch for your garden. Add your tree to your compost pile, drop it in your pond for the fish, or chop it into firewood and allow it to dry until the next heating season.
Before recycling your tree, make sure all decorations, tinsel and wire hangers have been removed. Contact Cartwright Tree Care, your local Kansas City tree care service, for more information about recycling your Christmas tree.