SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3/KSPR) – The live versus artificial question has been debated for decades, but no matter which your family chooses, experts say there are ways to make sustainable choices when it comes time to dispose of your Christmas tree.
RECYCLING OPTIONS FOR LIVE TREES:
Springfield’s Environmental Services reminds people live Christmas trees are not accepted at Missouri landfills. Instead, used trees can be re-purposed as mulch for a spring garden and even as a habitat for area fish and wildlife.
The City of Springfield Yardwaste Recycling Center (YRC) is one location that will accept residential Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands and other live decorations for no charge between December 26 and January 31, 2019. All other times of the year, volume-based fees will apply. After trees are dropped off, they will be ground into wood chip mulch that can be purchased at the YRC and Lone Pine recycling centers.The Yardwaste Recycling Center is located at 3790 South Farm Road 119 in Brookline. The Lone Pine recycling center is located at 3020 South Lone Pine Avenue in Springfield. Those dropping off trees must remember to remove tree stands, decorations, wiring and twine. No flocked trees are accepted. Anyone with questions can call the City’s Recycling Hotline at 864-1904.
Bass Pro Shops is another location that will accept live trees between noon and 6:00 p.m., daily, December 26 through December 30. A $2 per tree donation is requested with proceeds going to the Ozark Trails Council Boy Scouts projects. Trees will also be used to provide wildlife habitat for rabbits, quail and songbirds.
Wickman’s Gardens, located at 1345 South Fort Avenue, will accept live Christmas trees beginning Dec. 26 for a $5 donation. Proceeds will be donated to Great Circle. Trees will be ground into wood chip mulch available for free if you bring your own container. Please remove all tree stands, decorations and plastic bags. No flocked trees accepted.
Hansen’s Greenwaste, located at 3341 South Farm Road 107 in Brookline, will also accept residential Christmas trees for no fee December 26 through January 31, 2019. Please remove all tree stands and decorations. No flocked trees accepted.
RECYCLING OPTIONS FOR ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES:
The Sustainability and Market Development Coordinator for Springfield’s Environmental Services, Ashley Krug, first encourages people to use their artificial decorations for as many years as possible. Krug said there are several options for artificial tree disposal. “Trees in poor condition may be disposed at the Springfield Sanitary Landfill, but we really urge folks to think of the trash as a last resort for all items,” said Krug. “By donating and recycling, we save valuable landfill space for many Christmases to come.”
The Computer Recycling Center, located at 528 North Prince Lane in Springfield, is accepting artificial trees through January 31 for $10 per tree as part of a pilot program.
Artificial trees and holiday decorations in usable condition are also accepted for free at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and many local thrift stores. It’s encouraged people call ahead to confirm the facility is in need of the specific decoration before dropping it off.
