Fort Worth, Texas – Many of us find ourselves wondering what to do with our once-beloved Christmas trees when the festive cheer of Christmas withers into the chilly January days. Whether your tree was an artificial one adding glitter to your holiday décor or a live spruce filling your house with the aroma of fresh pine, it’s important to dispose of it responsibly.
For all of its citizens, the City of Fort Worth sends a clear message: consider sustainability while doing post-holiday cleanup. The city’s “Rethink Waste” project invites citizens to recycle Christmas trees among other holiday decorations. The city recommends keeping reusable goods for another season or giving them to others who would be able to enjoy them going forward.
When it comes time to say goodbye to your tree, though, there are specific guidelines to guarantee a green disposal.
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Live Trees
Because they are biodegradable, live trees are easily integrated back into the environment. As part of their usual, weekly yard waste pickup, Fort Worth citizens can set their live Christmas trees curbside. To prepare your tree for pickup:
- Ensure the tree is less than eight feet in length. If your tree is taller, cut it into two smaller sections.
- Do not bag the tree or any other yard waste.
- Remove all decorations, lights, nails, and stands from the tree.
These trees will then be converted into mulch, which is used to nurture other plants and landscapes around the city.
Artificial trees
Getting rid of artificial trees follows a different route. These trees belong in the brown rubbish cart since they are not biodegradable. This also holds true of synthetic garlands, wreaths, and boughs. Any lights, tinsel, or other decorations should also be disposed of in the brown garbage cart.
Other disposal options
The City of Fort Worth offers extra services for citizens who have generated more holiday trash than usual or have objects that fall outside of the typical disposal categories. Four Drop-Off Station sites around the city allow you to bring not just live and synthetic Christmas trees but also old or damaged decorations and extra trash, recycling, yard waste, or bulk waste. \
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These facilities run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note, though, they are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Information on the City of Fort Worth’s website or through their customer service centers will help customers locate the closest Drop-off Station.
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Proper disposal of your Christmas tree not only keeps your house clean but also supports efforts towards city sustainability. These rules will help you to guarantee that your Christmas season is as festive as it is environmentally friendly.
