Christmas has come and gone, but there is likely one big reminder of the holiday: The hulking fir or spruce tree shedding needles in your living room.
After you’ve removed the lights and ornaments, it’s time to get rid of your Christmas tree.
First, what not to do: set it on fire. The trees’ high resin and sap contents can quickly produce an out-of-control blaze. Luckily, there are many safe and environmentally friendly options.
Depending on where you live, here are some of the “treecycling” options that are available.
‘Bring One for the Chipper’
Now through early 2024, woodchippers will be stationed at dozens of locations around the state to turn Christmas trees into mulch for parks and playground as part of the annual “Bring One for the Chipper” event.
Since 1991, the initiative has kept roughly 6 million trees out of Georgia landfills, according to the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, which sponsors the event.
Many metro counties — including Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett — will have multiple sites for tree disposal, but the program extends far beyond the Atlanta area, with locations near Columbus, Statesboro, Savannah and more.
There are a few rules:
- Artificial trees and trees “flocked” with artificial snow will not be accepted.
- All decorations, lights, strings and stands must be removed (obviously).
Find a list of locations, times and more at tinyurl.com/bddmhmc8.
Curbside pickup and recycling
Don’t want to strap your tree on top of your car again? Some Metro Atlanta counties and programs will pick it up and recycle it for you.
DeKalb County’s Sanitation Division is offering free curbside tree pickup for county residents through Jan. 5. The county says trees will be turned into mulch and will be picked up on residents’ regularly scheduled collection days. Trees must be 7 feet tall or less to be eligible, and must be free of decorations.
Trees for Tuition, which started in 2015 as a venture by two high school students to raise money for college expenses, has grown into a significant philanthropy initiative providing thousands of dollars in scholarships to help local students access higher education.
The group offers tree sales and deliveries before Christmas, and for $35, Trees for Tuition will also pickup and recycle your tree through Jan. 6, anywhere inside I-285.
All pickups must be scheduled by Dec. 29, and trees must be placed on your front porch or curb by 10 a.m. on your designated collection day.
For more information, visit treesfortuition.com.
Credit: Jason Getz
Credit: Jason Getz
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