When, How To Recycle Christmas Trees In Mecklenburg County

CHARLOTTE, NC — 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.

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

Christmas trees will not be accepted at the Harmony site because it does not have a brush collection bin, according to a solid waste official.

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 in 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).