How To Get Rid Of Christmas Trees In Takoma Park

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Among the many signs that the holiday season finally has run its course is the sad spectacle of spent Christmas trees, stripped of their lights and tinsel, lying outside by the curb for several days until being picked up and hauled away to points unknown.

Here's a way to spare yourself having to look at the daily reminder that the fun's done.

Montgomery County accepts Christmas trees year-round through the curbside yard trim collection. Residents are asked to set their Christmas tree at the curb by 7 a.m. on their recycling collection day.

Residents of apartments and condominiums should check with the property manager or representative for specific recycling instructions.

Christmas trees are given a new life after being composted or chipped for mulch, so keep the tree in a natural state, the County says. Residents are asked to remove the stand and all decorations from the tree, including lights, ornaments, tinsel, and garland. Be sure there is no metal or plastic bags attached to the tree.

"Live" Christmas trees with root balls and artificial trees cannot be collected as yard trim.

If you have an artificial tree, request a bulk trash pickup. If your artificial Christmas tree is still in usable condition, consider offering it for reuse on your neighborhood email list, Craigslist, your local Freecycle group, or similar places.

Residents can also recycle branches and needles at home by placing them under trees and shrubs as a temporary winter mulch – or chop them up and add them to your compost pile.

>> See more information on the county website.

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