This Is How North Carolinians Recycle Their Christmas Trees Post Holidays

When the holiday season has passed, and the festive glow fades, your Christmas tree might be looking a little less merry. If you opted for a real tree this year, it’s time to think about what comes next. Don’t just toss your tree in the trash—treecycling is an eco-friendly way to say goodbye to your Christmas centerpiece.

The First Place To Start

For North Carolinians looking to recycle their Christmas tree, Earth911’s Recycling Directory is a helpful resource to find local treecycling programs. It provides information on nearby drop-off locations and whether your community offers convenient curbside pickup services. Before disposing of your tree, check the site to ensure you’re following local guidelines and making the most eco-friendly choice.

How to Prepare Your Tree for Recycling

Before recycling, ensure your tree is ready for disposal:

1. Remove All Decorations: Take off any ornaments, lights, tinsel, and the tree stand.
2. Prevent a Mess: Use a tarp under the tree when moving it to avoid shedding needles throughout your home.
3. Cut Large Trees in Half: Trees taller than five feet may need to be cut into smaller sections to fit in city recycling trucks.
4. Find Local Programs: Use resources like Earth911’s Recycling Directory to locate treecycling events or facilities near you in North Carolina.

Why Recycle Your Tree?

Recycling your Christmas tree helps the environment in several ways:

• Mulch for Gardens: Many cities shred trees into mulch, which is often available for free to residents.
• Methane Reduction: Trees left in landfills release methane as they decompose. Recycling prevents this harmful greenhouse gas from forming.
• Convenient Collection: Many cities offer curbside pickup for a couple of weeks after Christmas, or host drop-off events for easy recycling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recycle my tree through curbside programs?
Yes, in most cities, curbside collection is available, but typically only during the two weeks following Christmas. Check your local guidelines for specific dates and requirements.

What are drop-off events?
Drop-off events, often held at city parks, allow you to recycle your tree in exchange for free mulch. Cities like Raleigh or Charlotte may host such events in January, so tie your tree to the car and drop it off for easy recycling.

Can flocked trees or artificial trees be recycled?
Unfortunately, flocked trees (those sprayed with artificial snow) and artificial trees cannot be recycled. Artificial trees, often made from non-recyclable PVC, should be reused or donated to thrift stores in November.

Can I recycle my tree myself?
Absolutely! Repurpose your tree by:

• Chopping it into firewood.
• Turning it into mulch for your garden.
• Submerging it in a backyard pond to provide nutrients and shelter for fish (be sure to get permission for public waters).

North Carolina Treecycling Resources

Many North Carolina communities make tree recycling easy. Check your city’s website for curbside pickup dates or nearby drop-off events. Programs often turn trees into mulch or use them to protect local ecosystems. For example, Wilmington has used recycled trees to stabilize sand dunes on beaches.

Treecycling not only helps the environment but also supports local communities by repurposing your tree for public projects. Start the new year on a green note by giving your Christmas tree a second life.