Recycle Your Christmas Tree (Video)

Montgomery County residents are reminded that when the holidays are over, they can recycle their live Christmas trees.

Officials at the Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Solid Waste Services (DSWS) are reminding residents who live in single-family homes that they may recycle Christmas trees at the curb on regular recycling collection days.

Businesses and residents of apartments and condominiums should check with their property/business managers or representatives for specific Christmas tree recycling instructions.

After being composted or chipped for mulch, the trees are given a new life, so be sure to recycle them in a natural state.

Below are some Christmas tree recycling tips from DSWS:

• Remove the stand and all decorations — including lights, ornaments, tinsel and garlands. Be sure there is no metal attached to the tree.
• Remove any plastic bags from the tree.
• Recycle live Christmas tree branches and needles at home by placing them under trees and shrubs as a temporary winter mulch — or chop them up and add them to a compost pile.

For more information or questions about waste reduction or recycling at home or at work, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/recycling  or call Montgomery County’s Customer Service Center at 311.

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