When, How To Dispose Of Your Christmas Trees In Milton

MILTON, GA — With Christmas Day come and gone, some people like to remove their Christmas trees right away, while others may want to keep them up for a while. But it really depends on the condition of the tree.

When you got the tree, what condition it was in at that time and how much it was watered factor into when you should take the tree to the curb. Fire officials recommend getting rid of trees immediately or when they get dry. Dried-out trees can catch fire more easily.

Luckily for Milton residents, there are plenty of options to dispose of your tree.

Bring One for the Chipper Christmas Tree Recycling will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 4 at Milton High School, 13025 Birmingham Highway in the parking lot closest to Freemanville Road.

If you are unable to make this event, recycling is offered in partnership with Scottsdale Farms Garden Center and Green Brothers Earth Works as detailed below:

• Dec. 26 - Jan. 4 (closed Jan. 1): Scottsdale Farms Garden Center, 15639 Birmingham Hwy, Milton, GA 30004
• Dec. 27 - Jan. 17 (closed Jan. 1): Green Brothers Earth Works, 3445 Francis Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004 (just over the Fulton County line)
• Area Home Depot locations, including the Milton's Home Depot, also serve as a drop-off location for tree recycling

Boy Scout Troop 841 can pick up your tree(s) for recycling for a donation of $15 per tree. If you live north of Rucker Road and west of Ga. 400 and would like to make use of this service, visit www.t841org/tree and reserve your pick-up slot before 8 p.m. on Jan. 2.

Christmas trees are biodegradable, which means recycled or reused for mulch and other purposes. Here are some ways to recycle trees from the National Christmas Tree Association:

• Curbside pick-up for recycling: Many providers will collect trees during regular pickup schedules on the two weeks following Christmas. There are often requirements for size, removing ornaments, flocking, etc.
• Yard waste: Cut the tree to fit loosely into your yard waste container.
• Tree recycling/mulching programs: Tree recycling and mulching programs are a fast-growing trend in communities throughout the nation. Check with your local department of public works for information. They chip and shred the trees, then make the mulch available for use in your garden. Your hauler will notify you of pick-up dates in your area. Be sure to check with your local hauler.
• Nonprofit pickup: Call for an appointment to have a nonprofit organization in your area pickup your tree. Some Boy Scout troops offer a pickup service for a small donation.