How to Get Rid of Your Christmas Tree

The holidays are coming to an end, and now, you want to know how to get rid of your Christmas tree. Go over your options and find out what steps to take. Then, you can clean up after the holidays and prepare for a fantastic new year.

How Do I Dispose of a Christmas tree?

When considering how to get rid of your Christmas tree, you have four basic options. You can throw it away, recycle it, repurpose it, or make it a part of a bigger project. Keep in mind that you can only recycle real Christmas trees that aren’t flocked.

No matter which you choose, you’ll need to start by taking down your tree. First, remove the lights and ornaments, and then take the tree out of the stand. You’ll want to place it in a garbage bag to carry it out of your house so you don’t drop needles everywhere. That’ll make the cleanup much easier.

Then, you can go inside to sweep up the needles before going back outside to dispose of the tree. Let’s go over the different options so you’ll know how to get rid of your Christmas tree.

How to Get Rid of Your Christmas Tree on the Curb

If you want to dispose of your tree, you probably wonder, “Can I leave a Christmas tree on the curb?” Most municipalities offer Christmas tree pickups for residents. Generally, you don’t need to call to schedule the pickup. Instead, you’ll just place your tree on the curb, and then the collector will pick it up.

The schedule varies from one municipality to the next so check with your local government to find out when to leave your Christmas tree on the curb. You can also ask if your tree will be recycled after it’s picked up. If your municipality doesn’t recycle, you might want to consider another option. After all, the EPA recommends that you recycle or repurpose your Christmas tree so it doesn’t end up in a landfill.

How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree this Season

If you want to make sure your tree doesn’t end up in a landfill, you can recycle it yourself. First, you’ll want to cut the tree up into sections. Then, you can take it to a local recycling center. It’s a good idea to call ahead beforehand to ensure the center accepts Christmas trees. Also, if you are dropping off multiple trees, see if the recycling center has a limit on the number of trees it accepts.

When considering how to recycle your Christmas tree, this is a bit more time-consuming. However, you’ll know you’ve done your part to protect the environment by taking the extra steps.

How to Get Rid of Your Christmas Tree By Repurposing It

If you enjoy fun projects, you can get rid of your tree by repurposing it. There are tons of ways you can repurpose your tree. Let’s look at some of the best ideas.

Turn the Christmas Tree Into Mulch for Your Garden

If you recycle your tree, the company will likely turn it into mulch to use. Instead of letting someone else get the mulch, you can do it yourself. After mulching the tree, you can spread it around your shrubs and trees or place it throughout your garden. It can prevent freezing and soil erosion, so you’ll have a healthy garden next year.

Turn Your Christmas Tree Into Potpourri This Year

Do you get real Christmas trees because you love the way they smell? You can keep that fantastic scent around by turning your tree into potpourri. For this project, you’ll need to remove some of the tree’s stump along with fragrant branches. You also might want to grab cinnamon sticks, cloves, and other seasonal spices.

Then, grab a heat-proof bowl and place the stump inside. Fill the bowl to the halfway point and add the branches and other spices to the water. Then, put it in a warm spot and get ready for the scent to fill the room when it heats up. Because the water evaporates, you’ll need to add some more every few days.

Make Coasters or Ornaments With Your Christmas Tree

If you’re searching for a fun project, you can make coasters or ornaments from your Christmas tree. Cut slices of the wood and then transform them into a handcrafted creation. Then you’ll have mementos of this holiday season to treasure forever.

Can You Turn Your Christmas Tree Into Firewood?

If you’re trying to decide how to get rid of your Christmas tree, you might be contemplating turning it into firewood. However, Christmas trees can ignite quickly and burn fast. That can cause your home to fill up with smoke, even if your chimney is clean.

On the other hand, if your flue is dirty, the fire could ignite the creosote deposits. That can cause a dangerous and possibly deadly chimney fire. Thus, it’s best to avoid burning Christmas trees in the fireplace.

Making Your Tree a Part of a Bigger Cleanup Project

After you figure out how to get rid of your Christmas tree, are you going to have to move on to the next cleanup project on your list? Instead of doing that, how about combining the projects?

You can contact a Westchester dumpster rental company to get a container for your cleanup project. Then, you can dispose of your Christmas tree and other items at one time. If you do that, you can get the new year off to an amazing start. Plus, you can choose a company that recycles waste, so you can still do your part to protect the environment.

Taconic Carting & Hauling Is Here for Your Project Needs

Is getting rid of your Christmas tree just one in a long list of projects you need to complete at your Westchester County or Putnam County home? If so, Taconic Carting & Hauling is here to help. We have new containers of various sizes perfect for commercial, residential, and construction projects. Also, we are a locally owned and operated business, providing top-notch service in Westchester and the surrounding area. From delivering the containers to picking them up and recycling the waste, we take care of it all.

Call us at (845) 454-5865 to discuss your situation. We will help you choose a container for your project and provide same-day delivery if needed.