As the holiday season concludes, the dilemma of what to do with your live Christmas tree looms. Beyond taking up space, a dry tree poses a fire hazard, prompting warnings from Fairfax County Fire and Montgomery County Fire departments on proper tree care.
To address this, the Washington D.C. area offers various options for Christmas tree disposal. In the capital, the Department of Public Works initiates holiday greenery collection from January 3 to March 2. Residents can place trees, wreaths, and more curbside, with collected trees transformed into mulch for redistribution.
Drop-off locations in D.C. include 201 Bryant Street NW, Guy Mason Recreation Center, and 2700 South Capitol Street SE. Essential guidelines include removing decorations and placing items curbside without using plastic bags.
In Maryland, Montgomery County accepts Christmas trees year-round for curbside recycling. Meanwhile, Prince George's County residents can enjoy curbside collection between January 2 and January 31, with drop-off available at the Public Convenience Center in Upper Marlboro.
In Virginia, Alexandria residents can place trees at their regular yard waste collection point between January 2 and January 31. Arlington offers curbside pickup until January 12, with Christmas trees handled in regular yard waste collection thereafter. Fairfax County residents benefit from Solid Waste Program pickup until January 13, with subsequent options for self-hauling to recycling facilities.
Loudoun County provides five locations for Christmas tree recycling until January 21, offering converted mulch to residents year-round. Prince William County facilitates curbside collection during the first two weeks of January and additional drop-off locations for recycling.
Residents are advised to follow specific guidelines for each jurisdiction, including removing ornaments, lights, and stands, and avoiding plastic bags. These initiatives aim to promote eco-friendly practices, ensuring that Christmas trees find a second life as compost or mulch while minimizing fire risks and post-holiday clutter. Explore your local options to responsibly bid farewell to your festive evergreen.
Source: WJLA
Photo: Getty