How To Dispose Of Your Christmas Tree In Falls Church

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.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department recommends 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 the City of Falls Church, residents can put out their trees beginning the first week of January. Remove all decorations, plastic bags and other items. Collections typically happen on Wednesdays, but the first week of January's collection is moved to Thursday. Apartment and condominium residents can recycle trees in the brush collection area at the I-66 Transfer station, 4618 W. Ox Road Fairfax, VA 22030.

If you're a Fairfax County resident, collectors will be taking Christmas trees left out at homes on Jan. 1-11. Trees should be put out separately and be less than 8 feet tall. For larger trees, contact your collector for recycling instructions. Lights, decorations and stands must be removed. After Jan. 11, residents must schedule a brush pickup to have trees removed.

Christmas trees may also be recycled during the first two weeks in January at either the Fairfax County I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex. There is a $5 fee per tree. The county asks that you remove ornaments, lights and tree stands before recycling.

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).

Image via David Allen/Patch