Christmas isn't complete without Christmas trees. These green, coniferous trees are either used in the open or brought into homes. Christmas trees are decorated with colorful ornaments and Christmas lights, and placed at the top is a star, representing the Star of Bethlehem, or an angel as the host of angels in the Bible. The tree symbolizes the day Christ was born. It is where gifts are placed before they are opened on Christmas Eve.

A home without a Christmas tree during the Yuletide season seems very lonely. Your kids love to decorate it even before December starts. You spend money for its ornaments, and clean it on weekends. Yet, after the season, you want to get rid of it, whether it's an artificial or natural tree.

Natural Christmas trees are completely biodegradable. They have many uses, even after the holidays. In the United States, Christmas tree recycling programs are everywhere, and leftovers from old Christmas trees are used in landscaping, animal stalls, playground areas, hiking trails, parks and gardens. In fact, you can find groups that use the whole tree for fishing reefs, prevention of beach erosion and stabilization of river shoreline.

Community Drop-Off Sites

If you want to get rid of your Christmas tree, you can just drop it off at a central location. Many cities and towns have drop-off sites for old Christmas trees. Some communities even offer a curbside pickup option. Some municipal park departments today provide the public with chances to recycle old Christmas trees by hosting a recycling event. It is best to check with your officials and make certain that there are drop off sites in your area because if you leave your tree on the streets without permission, you may be accused of littering.

Knowing if your town or city has a Christmas tree recycling program is easy. Call any of the following: mayor’s office, department of sanitation or the local office handling the recycling, public works department, recreation department or your local parks. In the United States, you can simply enter your zip code at the website of the National Christmas Tree Association.

Before you can get rid of your Christmas tree, remember to remove the stand and all the decorations, include the garlands, tinsels, trimmings, ornaments and Christmas lights. If you want, you can place your tree in your winter garden as a bird feeder or a decoration.

More Christmas Tree Recycling Tips

Getting rid of your Christmas tree can be either through donating or reusing it, but recycling it is also an efficient idea. Follow the tips listed below:

• Make Potpourri – Combine a few cups of the needles with old spices and herbs, dried flower petals, old potpourri and small pine cones. Add one teaspoon of your favorite flavoring extract. You can also use 15 to 20 drops of essential oil. In case you run out of any of these ingredients, you can use an old perfume or an oil cologne sitting around. Mix everything and then pour into a dish or a pleasant-looking bowl.
• Decorations – Almost all parts of an old Christmas tree can be used as a decoration. The artificial pine needles can be used to decorate doorways and windows, or you can use these to accentuate candle holders. If you want a Christmas Hallmark moment for next year, save the artificial pine needles and use them as a decoration again. All you need is some poinsettia or holly, and you're all set.
• Fire Starter Bundles – With a pair of bush or tree pruners, cut a foot's length from any of the branches. As you cut, leave the pine needles on the branches. Tie about six to eight pieces of what you trimmed around the center in a bundle using a cotton string. Pile it in a nice basket. They can work as fire starters, or you can use them as decorations.

• Coasters – Coasters are those thin and round slabs of wood you can make with a hack saw. For best results, use a new blade for your hack saw. After cutting the slabs, sand the pieces and coat with white glue. Make certain that you apply only with a thin layer of white glue to keep the sap off your table surfaces and glassware.
• Outdoor Planter Filler/Window Box – Trim the branches of your Christmas tree and you will have instant fillings for your planters and outdoor window boxes. The length of the Christmas tree branches should be determined by the size of the containers. You can also spread the Christmas tree branches around the perennial plants to shield them from extreme winter weather conditions.
• Critter Sanctuary – Take your Christmas tree to a secluded area on your property to give wild critters and birds a home. Leave cranberry garlands or popcorn on your tree as an extra-special treat for wild critters.

There is no excuse not to reuse a Christmas tree. Even if it's no longer in good shape, its branches and needles that you consider trash can still be a treasure for others, especially those who want and know how to recycle.