How To Dispose Of Your Christmas Tree In Mecklenburg County

CHARLOTTE, NC — Now that Christmas Day has come and gone, you might be wondering when it's time to take down the tree. Much of it depends on when you got it and what condition it's in.

Fire departments recommend putting out the tree immediately after Christmas, or when it gets dry. Dried-out trees can present a fire hazard and should be put out away from the house.

In Mecklenburg County, the solid waste department recycles Christmas trees for free, which it then turns into mulch for sale. In Charlotte, trees should be placed on the curb on your regular yard waste collection day.

Also, Mecklenburg County residents may drop trees off at one of the county’s recycling centers:

• North Mecklenburg Yard Waste Facility, 12300 N. Statesville Road
• Compost Central Mulch and Composting, 5631 West Blvd.
• Hickory Grove Yard Waste Facility, 8007 Pence Road
• Foxhole Yard Waste Facility, 17131 Lancaster Highway

The National Christmas Tree Association offers these tips on recycling Christmas trees:

• 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.
• Drop-off at a recycling center: Most counties have free drop-off locations. Usually, you may take up to two trees to a drop-off location at no charge.
• 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 (often $5).

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Patch Editor Emily Leayman contributed.

Image via David Allen/Patch