Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to take down the tree and stick to your 2010 resolution to go greener. Here are some easy ways to recycle your Christmas tree or enjoy it all season long.
The benefits of recycling? For one thing, that lovely tree you bought from a local, sustainable Christmas tree farm not only provided a home for wildlife before entering your home for the holidays, as a recycled tree it can now provide life for plants, veggies, trees, fruits and more as valuable mulch and compost.
| for information on recycling Christmas tree lights through January 10, click here. |
And recycling them is easy:
For St. Paul and Ramsey County residents, you can take your tree to a Ramsey County recycling center, where the tree will be turned into mulch and compost to be used on gardens and yards throughout the year. The facilities are open for drop-off on January 9th and 10th. For free drop-off, proof of Ramsey County residency must be provided. (A driver’s license will do!)
Washington County residents can drop off their trees for a small fee at a number of locations for a small fee, ranging from $1 to $6. Open dates depend on the drop-off site, so be sure to find one that suits you best. At Forest Lake Public Works, for example drop-off is free and residents can recycle their trees through January 29.
Anoka County offers drop-off sites for Christmas tree and garland recycling on Saturdays and Sundays through January 17th.
Minneapolis offers curbside pick-up of Christmas trees through the month of January. Hennepin County residents can also drop off trees at a number of recycling sites, which will turn the tree waste into compost.
Of course, you don’t have to dispose of the tree just yet. You can place the tree in the yard to add some extra color and provide sanctuary for wildlife during these long, cold months. Add a bird feeder to the tree, or hang suet bags or string popcorn on the branches to attract hungry birds.
Come spring, when the snow starts to melt away and the hostas are starting to peak their green heads from the soil, cut up the tree branches to create mulch in your yard, or take the tree to any one of the recycling centers in your area.
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