How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Would you like to recycle your Christmas tree? If you have your tree recycled and it can be processed into mulch.

As you probably already know, Palm Harbor is in unincorporated Pinellas County, which does not have a service to pick up trees for recycling. However, residents in unincorporated Pinellas County can recycle a tree by dropping it off at Pinellas County Solid Waste, 3095 114th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. The cost is $3 per load for a maximum of five trees. The cost for six or more trees is $37.50 per ton. Hours: Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here are a couple things you'll want to do before recycling your tree-

• Remember to remove all decorations, including hooks, garland, tinsel and lights. 
• Keep the tree loose, not in a bag or trash can. 

If you read Palm Harbor Patch, but happen to live in another area. Here is a list of cities that offer Christmas tree recycling:

• Belleair: Curbside collection with yard waste on regular day. For information, call (727) 588-3769, ext. 401.
• Clearwater: Curbside collection with yard waste on regular day. For information, call (727) 562-4920.
• Dunedin: Curbside collection with yard waste on regular day from 12/26/11 - 1/6/12. Residents without curbside yard waste pickup can plan a pickup day with their association. For information, call (727) 298-3215.
• Gulfport: Curbside collection with yard waste on Wednesdays. For information, call (727) 893-1089.
• Indian Rocks Beach: Curbside collection with yard waste on Wednesdays. For information, call (727) 595-6889.
• Largo: Curbside collection with yard waste on regular day from 12/26/11 to 1/9/12. For information, call(727) 587-6760.
• Madeira Beach: Curbside collection with yard waste on Wednesdays. For information, call (727) 391-1611.
• Oldsmar: Drop off at 107 Shore Drive W., across from Park Blvd. Open from 12/26/11 to 1/13/12. For information, call (813) 749-1262.
• Pinellas Park: Drop off at 12950 40th St. (residents only). For information, call (727) 541-0711.
• Safety Harbor: Curbside collection with yard waste on Wednesdays. For information, call (727) 724-1550.
• St. Petersburg: Drop off at a St. Petersburg brush site: 1000 62nd Ave. N.E., 7750 26th Ave. N., 2500 26th Ave. S., 4015 Dr. MLK Jr. St. S., or 2453 20th Ave. N. Another option is curbside pickup. Place your treeout by Friday, 1/6/12, for pickup on Saturday, 1/7. If your tree has not been picked up by 1/10, please call (727) 893-7398.
• Tarpon Springs: Drop off at the yard waste facility at 898 S. Levis Ave. for a fee, or put out for curbside collection with yard waste on regular day. For information, call (727) 943-4837.
• Treasure Island: Curbside collection with yard waste on regular day. For information, call (727) 547-4575, ext. 253.

For more information, contact Pinellas County Solid Waste at (727) 464-7500, or visit www.pinellascounty.org/utilities.