It was fun while it lasted, but its time has come. Yep, we're talking about kicking your Christmas tree to the curb.
What is arguably the least wonderful time of the year for many (broken ornaments! Unstringing lights! Those needles!) is now upon us, and the city of Cincinnati wants you to know there is a right way to dispose of your Christmas tree, which — as it turns out — is recyclable, if done properly.
Please note the following only applies to real Christmas trees. If you want to dispose of a fake Christmas tree, that goes out with your regular trash says a spokeswoman with Cincinnati's Department of Public Services.
Here's how to do it
- Remove all items from the tree including ornaments, tinsel, stands and lights. (Here's how you can properly dispose of — and recycle! — unwanted or broken holiday lights.)
- Do not use a tree bag.
- Do not cut your tree into pieces. It may be placed at the curbside whole, minus all of the aforementioned adornments.
- Place your naked tree curbside on your next scheduled yard waste/recycling pickup.
Once picked up, trees are then chipped and used as pine mulch or are added to large compost piles.
If you have any questions or need more information call the City of Cincinnati Public Services Department at 513-591-6000.
Hamilton County residents also have the option of dropping off their tree and other greenery for composting.
This option is only open to residents of Hamilton County and proof of residency is required. Trees should be free of all ornaments and tinsel and should not be placed in a tree bag. However, greenery and other yard waste must be bundled with twine or put in a container or bag (brown bags preferred). Containers and plastic bags will be returned.
Kentucky tree disposal
If you live in Kentucky, the state's Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is collecting trees to provide food and protection for fish in lakes throughout the state. Through mid-January, you can drop off your tree — minus all the trimmings — at one of the drop-off sites nearest you.
This story first appeared in December 2018 and has been updated.
