Carroll County is encouraging residents to recycle their live Christmas trees this year and offering two options for drop-off sites.
Recycling a Christmas tree rather than throwing it away gives the plant a second life as compost or mulch to be used later in a garden or landscape project, said Cliff Engle, bureau chief of solid waste for Carroll County.
“We appreciate residents considering recycling their trees,” Engle said. “We’re glad we can offer this option.”
Trees ground into mulch provide good ground cover that reduces soil erosion, deters weed growth and conserves water in landscaping, Engle said.
Recycling the trees “is a far better” option than throwing them away, Engle added. It is more beneficial for the environment and prevents trees from taking up space in the landfill, which isn’t meant to be used to dispose of large amounts of organic material.
Before dropping off a tree, all non-organic objects, such as lights, wire, tinsel and ornaments, should be removed. Note that no artificial trees of any kind may be dropped off for recycling.
Trees can be dropped off from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays at the Northern Landfill and Recycling Center in Westminster. On New Year’s Eve the facility will close at noon and will be closed entirely on New Year’s Day. Call 410-386-4550 for more information.
Carroll County residents with proper identification will be permitted to deliver Christmas trees as well as any yard waste from their own property, free of charge, for recycling at WeCare Denali, 7901 Kabik Court, Woodbine. Regular drop-off is allowed 7-11:45 a.m., on Saturdays, but the site will also be closed on New Year’s Day. Call 410-795-7666 for more information.
County-based businesses that want to get rid of yard debris or Christmas trees will incur a fee. The service is free for residents.
Residents living within a municipality are encouraged to contact their town or city offices for Christmas tree pick-up schedules. Residents living outside incorporated areas should contact waste haulers to determine if Christmas tree pick-up is provided.