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After the presents have been opened and the New Year toasted, it is time to decide what to do with our formerly fresh and vibrant Christmas trees. Balsam firs, Douglas firs, Scotch pines, and white pines are among the more than 25 million real Christmas trees purchased in the United State each year and each real tree is 100% biodegradable and recyclable.

Over the last twenty years, we have been taught to recycle our aluminum cans, plastics, newspaper, cardboard, glass, and even used motor oil and tires. Communities have built recycling centers with easy drop off and instituted curbside pickups to encourage us to help make our planet a better place by recycling our waste. Recycling your real Christmas tree is not only environmentally friendly but a great way to continuing the giving of the Holiday season.

How do we recycle our real Christmas trees?

Instead of simply carting the tree out to the trash for the garbage truck to haul away, take a few moments to explore the recycling possibilities available. Many communities and businesses run Christmas tree recycling programs during the weeks after Christmas day. Civic groups like the Lyons Club, Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, and 4-H as well as college or high school environmental groups offer places for used tree drop-off. Many groups will even offer pick-up from your home if help is needed. If you can load up your used tree on your own, businesses like nurseries, tree growers and landscaping companies often offer drop-off sites at their shops.

Where we can recycle our real Christmas tree?

With more than 4,000 Christmas tree recycling programs in the U.S. alone, the opportunity for your household to reduce landfill waste by recycling your used tree is abundant. During the Holiday season, community groups or businesses that offer tree recycling will list their services in the newspaper, at tree lots, on the radio, and even on your local television stations. A quick call to your local town hall will also provide you with tree recycling information.

To locate recycling programs in your area via the internet, visit the website Earth911.org. At this website, you can type in your zip code and they will list all the tree recycling programs in your immediate area. If there are not any organized Christmas tree recycling programs in your community, consider starting one yourself. A comprehensive, 31-page, downloadable how-to manual is available from the National Christmas Tree Association.

How are recycled Christmas trees used?

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are five primary types of uses for recycled Christmas trees. Each use reduces waste in our landfills and gives a second and sometime even third life to the tree.

1. Wood chips for mulching areas like playgrounds or hiking trails.

2. Prevention of beachfront erosion.

3. Stabilization

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