Here's How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in Prince George's County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The holidays are over, and the time has come to toss that Christmas tree before it becomes a fire hazard -- or at least before it becomes a painful reminder that it's back to the daily grind.

But before tossing it in the dumpster, consider a more environmentally friendly way of disposing of your (real) Christmas tree. Here's what you can do in Prince George's County.

The PG County Department of the Environment is encouraging residents to "take advantage of a great opportunity to recycle Christmas trees and other post-holiday waste," according to a county statement. Starting Dec. 26 and running through Jan. 30, county residents with yard waste collection service can put their Christmas trees, as well as wrapping and tissue paper, holiday cards and gifts bags on the curb at 6:30 a.m. on a regularly scheduled yard waste collection day, which are on Mondays.

The trees must be real, so don't dump an artificial tree on the curb. Also, make sure it's been stripped clean of decorations and is free from its stand.

If you don't intend to keep your artificial Christmas tree, consider donating it to a local thrift store. String lights can be dropped off for recycling at R3 Services at 5711 Tuxedo Road in Hyattsville, with drop-off hours from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekdays.

You can drop off your Christmas trees and post-holiday waste at the following locations as well:

Brown Station Road Public Convenience Center
3501 Brown Station Road
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Monday through Saturday
7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Prince George’s County Yard Waste Composting Facility
6601 Southeast Crain Highway
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Monday through Friday
7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Image via U.S. Department of Agriculture