When the holiday season comes to an end, after all of the presents have been unwrapped and the lights are being taken down, one problem remains.
Getting rid of your Christmas tree is an issue that many households struggle with every year, whether you have a real tree or an artificial one that has seen better days. When it comes to getting rid of your Christmas tree, you need to learn how to dispose of it properly based on the type you own.
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It has been reported that over 10 million Christmas trees end up in landfills every year, but this year you can be an exception to the rule. There are better and more sustainable ways for you to dispose of your Christmas tree, and we are going to share some with you today.
Start the new year off right and do your bit for the environment by disposing of your Christmas tree better.
How To Get Rid Of A Real Christmas Tree
Once all of the lights and decorations have been removed, you will be ready to get rid of the Christmas tree.
If you have opted for a real tree this season, then you will probably be sick of picking up pine needles and will be more than ready to get rid of the foliage from your front room. There are some ways that you can do this sustainably to prevent the Christmas tree from adding to landfills.
To help you make the right decision when getting rid of your real Christmas tree, here are some of the most common ways:
- Curbside Removal
Many cities do have a curbside Christmas tree pickup service, where the real tree will be collected from the street and taken to a chipper, where they will be cut into smaller pieces. These small pieces can then be used as mulch.
You can find out whether this service is available in your area by checking with your local authorities.
If your Christmas tree is not covered by a curbside pickup service, it may be possible to get rid of it with the rest of your yard trash – but it will need to be prepared properly. Your local authorities might accept the Christmas tree if it has been chopped up and placed inside a yard waste bag.
You can also look for local drop-off recycling centers that accept Christmas trees if you are not able to leave them on the curb.
- Christmas Tree Recycling
There are ways to recycle real Christmas trees, and some cities will collect trees for this in their curbside service.
Some organizations, like the Boy Scouts of America, may also offer a similar service, but there will be a fee attached to this. You can also get in touch with local recycling centers to see whether they accept Christmas trees.
Christmas trees can also be donated to local environmental organizations, as many may have uses for old foliage like this. Some zoos and similar animal sanctuaries may accept Christmas trees which can be used as treats or playthings for the animals.
Likewise, Christmas trees can also be recycled as protection for riverbanks, dunes, or coastlines against erosion.
- Compositing
Composting is one of the most sustainable ways to get rid of your Christmas tree, and it can also extend the purpose of the plant.
The branches from the tree make a great base for a compost pile. If the tree has been chipped, the wood can be used as a mulch for a range of plants.
- Burning Christmas Trees
In some locations, it is acceptable to burn your Christmas tree – depending on how and where you are going to do it.
If fires are acceptable in your area, it is possible to repurpose your Christmas tree as firewood or kindling. Before setting fire to the tree, chop it up and allow the wood to dry out for several months.
Christmas trees should not be burned indoors, however, as the sap can stick to the inside of the chimney and cause a chimney fire.
What About Flocked Tree Removal?
Flocked trees, which are made to look as though they are snow-covered, cannot be recycled because of the chemicals which have been used to treat them.
Instead, these kinds of trees need to be chopped up and placed in the regular waste bin.
Your location may not accept flocked trees within the standard waste, so you will need to check with your local authorities before disposing of them.
How To Get Rid Of An Artificial Tree
Artificial trees can be used every year, but if yours is looking worse for wear, then it is time to get rid of it. You can do this by:
- Donate
Artificial Christmas trees cannot be recycled, but they can be donated or repurposed to give them another life.
Check with local donation centers and charities to see whether they require an old Christmas tree. There will be nonprofits, such as thrift stores and charity shops, which can make use of your old Christmas tree.
Care homes and local schools may also accept your old Christmas tree to be reused once more. As long as your tree is in decent condition, it can be donated.
You can also reuse your Christmas tree if you are creative. There are many creative ways to use an old Christmas tree if you have time.
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