'O Christmas Tree' ... Now What?

There's nothing like the excitement of decorating and unwrapping presents by the tree. But once Christmas comes and the New Year goes, it may be tempting to quickly chunk the tree to the curb with the empty boxes and ripped wrapping paper.

But before you do, the county has some guidelines for you to follow when disposing your live tree.

Christmas trees will be collected on the regular curbside pick-up day and should be placed outside by 6 a.m. on that day to make sure it's not missed.

"The trees should be free from all ornaments, garland and other decorations," said Tamiko Knight of the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works. 

This also includes the tree stand and any metal ornament hangers that sometimes get left on the tree. Knight added that in some instances the tree might need to be cut down before being placed on the curb.

"A lot of people probably don't know this but tall trees should be cut down so that they can fit in the truck," she said.

The county counts any tree that is more than four-feet as tall and advises residents to cut those trees in half.

Knight said the county takes all of the trees and creates mulch with them at the landfill in Severn. Wreaths and natural garland also are used to create the soil covering.

To avoid making a mess and having needles in the carpet tree experts suggest purchasing a tree disposal bag from a local hardware store and carting it out in the bag. 

Some choose to become creative with their live Christmas tree and use them as backyard bird sanctuaries, cut the trunk into discs and put them in the dirt to edge walkways or gardens and even cut thin slabs off the trunk to make drink coasters.

For those that just want it out of the house after the holidays there are options for folks that missed their neighborhood's collection day. While waiting until the following week is always an option, they cantake  the tree to one of the county's three convenience centers listed below anytime the center is open, free of charge. 

100 Dover Rd., Glen Burnie

Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m

Millersville Convenience Center

389 Burns Crossing Rd., Severn

Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Sudley Convenience Center

5400 Nutwell Sudley Rd., Deale

Tuesday-Saturday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

For more information visit the county's websites at www.aacounty.org/DPW/WasteManagement and www.recyclemoreoften.com.