Are you wondering what to do with your beautiful, live Christmas tree now that the holidays are over? Your friends at Breeding Roll Off Service want you to know instead of throwing it in the trash; these biodegradable trees can easily be recycled or repurposed. Here are some eco-friendly ways to recycle your tree after the holidays and keep it out of the landfill.
1. Curbside Recycling
The easiest way to recycle your tree is to participate in your town’s curbside recycling program. Be sure to check the schedule as pickup generally occurs during the two weeks after Christmas. Recycled trees are often used to produce mulch, compost, and wood chips that go back into local green spaces. In Easton, town crews take discarded trees to Poplar Island. These trees become habitats and nesting sites for local birds like tern, egrets, and herons. If you live in Easton, your Christmas tree can help to attract and protect the 200 bird species that live on this uninhabited island. Contact your local government to see if they offer a curbside recycling service.
2. Create a Backyard Sanctuary
You can also use your holiday tree right in your own backyard for birds and other wildlife to enjoy. You can hang bird feeders and watch them feed and nest in the tree, or place the tree in a pond to create algae for fish and protect them from predators. Be sure to remove all ornaments and tinsel before placing the tree in your yard.
3. Protect and Maintain Your Garden
Use your tree for mulch or compost, or trim the boughs and use them as insulation for your plants during the winter months. This will keep them at a steady temperature through the cold blasts and the spring thaw. You can also use branches and limbs to edge your garden, creating a rustic, eco-friendly look.
4. Recycled Trees Used for Mulch
Some local towns and counties offer recycling for Christmas trees at designated drop-off locations. Worcester County hosts an annual collection of Christmas trees at no cost. Residents can drop off their Christmas trees at the the Newark Central Landfill. The trees will be ground into mulch. Be sure to check out what program your town or county offers.
5. Use for Outdoor Firewood
After drying out for a few months, evergreen trees make excellent firewood for outdoor use. Cut your tree up and stock up on wood for those cozy winter bonfires. Due to the high amount of sap, Christmas trees should not be used for indoor fireplaces.
6. Plan for the Holiday Teardown
The end of the holidays is a great time to give your home a thorough cleaning. While sorting through the waste the holidays, take the next step and look for other things you want to throw away. This will help you start the new year with a fresh home. We offer four container sizes — 15-yard, 20-yard, 30-yard, and 40-yard — for your removal needs. Items that can be placed in the containers include old appliances, scrap hauling, old furniture, bulk recycling, yard waste, and more.
A Christmas tree doesn’t have to end up in a landfill. No matter how you choose to recycle your tree, you can help the environment by returning it back to nature. For your other holiday waste removal needs, give our team at Breeding Roll Off Service a call, and we can help you pick the best option for you.
