Mulch Holiday Trees In Howard County Dec. 26-Jan. 16

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Since 1993, Howard County's Merry Mulch program has kept thousands of trees out of the landfill, helping to save money and the environment. From Dec. 26 through Jan. 16, holiday trees may be recycled seven days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the drop-off sites listed below. One exception to the above days and times is the Alpha Ridge Landfill, which is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All collected trees are delivered to the composting facility at Alpha Ridge Landfill and recycled into compost and mulch. Residents are reminded that wearing face masks at Alpha Ridge Landfill is mandatory.

"This is a simple and effective opportunity for residents to keep trees out of the landfill this holiday season. By spring, these trees will be repurposed and ready to use as compost and mulch," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said in a statement. “Make a plan to recycle your tree this year and help support a cleaner and more sustainable environment for Howard County and our community."

Look for Merry Mulch signs at the following drop-off sites:

• Clarksville: Kendall Hardware, 12260 Clarksville Pike (Route 108)

• Columbia: Cedar Lane Park, 5081 Cedar Lane

• Elkridge: Rockburn Branch Park (East), 5400 Landing Road

• Ellicott City: Small Circuit Court parking lot on upper Court House Drive (just

past Ellicott Mills Drive, on the right)

• Highland: Schooley Mill Park, 12975 Hall Shop Road

• Marriottsville: Alpha Ridge Landfill Wood Waste Area, 2350 Marriottsville Road

(open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• Savage: Savage Park, 8400 Fair Street

• Woodbine: Western Regional Park, 14800 Carrs Mill Road

Howard County residents with curbside yard trim collection can set their holiday trees out on their yard trim day for collection through Jan. 16. Trees will not be picked up on trash collection days during this time for residents with yard trim collection. All decorations, including tinsel, garland, ornaments, lights, tree stands, plastic bags, etc. must be removed. Trees must also be cut into less than four-foot lengths and tied; they should not be bagged. Each bundle must weigh less than 40 pounds.

Residents are reminded to set their tree out the night before their collection day. Trees will be picked up on a resident's collection day between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. by the yard trim truck. Residents are reminded that artificial trees cannot be placed in the blue carts for curbside recycling. Artificial holiday trees and wreaths with metal components can be recycled year-round in the scrap metal area at the Alpha Ridge Landfill Residents’ Convenience Area.

After Jan. 16 when the sites listed above are no longer accepting holiday trees and curbside yard trim collection is no longer offered, residents may continue to bring their holiday trees to the Alpha Ridge Landfill Wood Waste Area Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No plastic bagged trees will be accepted. After Jan. 16, trees will be collected as trash if put out on trash day.