For those who celebrate Christmas, it’s time to pack up the holly jolly and start the new year fresh. If you have a real tree, you need to know where to dispose of it.
Recycling your tree doesn’t mean it goes in the dumpster. Here are some simple tips to reuse your old tree.
Curbside Pickup
Good news! Hillsborough will recycle your tree for you. Just place it on the curb on your neighborhood’s usual pick-up day.
In St. Pete, put your tree—without ornaments, tinsel, or decorations—where your trash is normally collected by Saturday, Jan. 11. The City will pick up the tree by Friday, Feb. 10.
Pinellas County also offers pickup options. Use the county’s search tool to find a location near you.
Drop It Off Yourself
If you can’t wait for curbside pickup or want to keep your tree longer, you can drop it off yourself. Take the tree to one of Hillsborough County’s solid waste centers (8001 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa or 13000 US Hwy. 41 S., Gibsonton) or the Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex (3095 114th Ave. N., St. Petersburg).
Make sure to secure the tree to your car properly. You can also drop off holiday boxes, tissue paper, and non-foil gift wrap at these recycling centers.
Natural Feeders
Help nature by making a bird feeder. Create edible ornaments like orange-apple garlands and peanut butter pine cones. Place the tree outside for birds to eat and take shelter. If you have a pond or lake, you can add the tree to create a natural reef for local fish.
Make Your Own Mulch
When you take a tree to a recycling center, it is turned into mulch. You can also use it in your own yard and garden. Shred the tree with a mulcher, available for rent at places like Home Depot. Spread the needles in garden beds or over the lawn.
Use these easy methods to recycle your Christmas tree and support the Tampa Bay community after the holidays!
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