Now that the holiday festivities are over, many of us face the task of taking down decorations and packing away the ornaments until next year. For area residents looking to properly dispose of their real or artificial Christmas trees, we’ve gathered some tips on how to recycle or repurpose your tree.
ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES
Artificial trees should be used as many times as possible. If the tree is in good shape, you could give it away to friends or family members or find a donation opportunity. If the tree can’t be reused, consider if any of its parts can be recycled, such as the metal pole. Put what’s left in the garbage. Call your trash hauler to find out if they have any special requirements.
REAL CHRISTMAS TREES
Real trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes. Some creative ways to repurpose your tree include removing the branches and chipping it to use as mulch in the garden,
You can also place your Christmas tree in the garden or backyard and use it as a bird feeder and sanctuary. Fresh orange slices or strung popcorn will attract birds and they can sit in the branches for shelter.
Many waste haulers will offer curbside pick-up services for a couple weeks in January to collect live Christmas trees. If you would like your tree to be picked up for composting, call your trash hauler to find out if they offer the service and their schedule for doing so. Trees collected by haulers either go to a local compost facility or to a facility where they are burned for fuel.
Whether you are dropping off your live tree or it is being picked up by your waste hauler, make sure you have removed all ornaments, lights, tinsel, stands, and bags.
Trees that have been painted or flocked (sprayed with paint, glitter, or other material) cannot be composted and will have to be put in the trash. Next year, consider skipping the paint so that your tree can be composted.
Below, we’ve compiled curbside recycling options by city.
MAPLE PLAIN
Non-artificial Christmas trees are collected free of charge during the first two weeks of January. Trees need to be set out curbside without bags and must be free of all ornaments, tinsel, garland, and lights. Trees longer than 8 feet must be cut into sections.
MINNETRISTA
The City of Minnetrista does not have a Christmas tree recycling program. Residents would have to take their tree to the Mulch Store on State Highway 7 (if open) or contact their trash hauler for pickup options.
MOUND
The City does not do a tree pick-up and residents would need to call their individual trash hauler.
As for people who use Republic Services as their garbage hauler, they will do a free one-time pick-up if the tree is out on the curb on their normal pick-up day the week of January 14 – 18. There would be a charge if the service is requested outside this timeframe.
LONG LAKE
Residents should check with their garbage hauler for curbside recycling options.
MINNETONKA BEACH
Minnetonka Beach does offer curbside pickup for residents’ Christmas trees only. Republic Services, the city’s contract waste hauler will also take wreaths, garlands and swags as part of their regular trash pickup. Republic will also pick up trees on January 18 as part of the regular trash pickup.
ORONO
There are several sites in Orono for residents to drop off their Christmas trees for recycling:
•Bederwood Park
•Casco Point Skating Rink
•Crystal Bay Park
•Hackberry Park
•Roberta Lee Antoine Playground
Residents should remove all decorations and lights from the trees before dropping off in the designated areas.
INDEPENDENCE
Independence doesn’t offer curbside pickup through the city, but residents can contact the county for drop-off locations or Randy’s Sanitation for pickup options.
WAYZATA
Wayzata Public Works will offer curbside pickup of Christmas trees and spruce tops beginning Monday, Jan. 7. The city asks that residents remove all nails, screws, wires, tree stands, tinsel, plastic bags, glass and metal decorations before placing trees at the curb. Wreaths will not be accepted. For residents who still need their tree picked up after Jan. 21, call public works at 952-404-5363.
SPRING PARK
Residents should check with their garbage hauler for curbside recycling options.
ST. BONI
The St. Boni Lions Club will be doing Christmas tree curbside pickup on Saturday, Jan. 19. Leave your Christmas trees at the end of your driveway or curb and they’ll pick up and dispose of it.
