Each holiday season millions of live Christmas trees are sold across the United States. The question of what to do with the trees after the holiday season is over remains a conundrum for many. Recycling your live Christmas tree is the most environmentally friendly move, and there are so many ways to easily recycle or re-use your tree long after the holidays are over.
Plus, Seattle is one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the entire United States. In fact, it’s the 5th greenest city in the country. So being ecologically minded comes as second nature to many Seattleites.
Seattle Christmas Tree Recycling Program
Seattle residents can compost trees and holiday greens through Seattle Public Utilities for free from December 26 – January 31. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove all decorations from the tree.
- Cut into sections 4-foot or less.
- Place trees or bundled greens next to your Food & Yard Waste cart on your regular collection day.
Plus, apartment residents may place up to two trees next to each Food & Yard waste cart at no charge. Additionally, residents can also drop off up to 3 trees less than 8 feet in length at a Transfer Station. Get more information about Seattle Public Utilities tree recycling program here.
DIY Christmas Tree Recycling
However, if you’d rather go the do-it-yourself route, then try one of these home-friendly recycling methods. Remember, don’t burn your tree! It’s still too fresh and moist to burn, and it could be quite dangerous if you try to do so. Try one of these other safer methods for recycling at home.
- Insulate your garden
- Protect your garden from sharp temperature changes by insulating your plants with branches cut from the tree. It’s a great way to keep your garden healthy by using what you already have at hand.
- Make mulch
- Once your tree is dry, the branches may be removed, chipped up, and used as mulch in the garden.
- Create a bird sanctuary
- If you’re blessed to have a backyard, prop up the tree in a spot where it can become a haven for wildlife. Birds can nest and rest in its branches.
- Sink it in a pond
- If you have a pond or other small body of water on your property, you can sink the tree into the water. It will create a nice habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures. You can also check with local officials and see if you can drop your tree in a nearby lake or pond.
- Make a pine-scented cleaning spray
- Simply strip pine needles off a few branches and put them in an airtight jar. Add a couple cups of vinegar and set it in a sunny place for about a week. The vinegar will extract the oils and antibacterial properties of the pine. Then, add a shot of vodka or rubbing alcohol, and strain the liquid through a coffee filter into a spray bottle. Use it to clean around your home.
- Make air fresheners
- If the needles are still fresh, strip them and place them in small cloth or paper bags to use as air fresheners. The needles will keep their scent for months and make your home smell fresh long after Christmas is over.