For those that celebrate Christmas, it’s time to pack up the holly jolly and start the new year afresh. And those who didn’t put up a fake frasier have to figure out how and where to dispose of it.
That doesn’t mean it’s dumpster-bound. Instead, we have some tips on how to put an old tree to good use.
Curbside pickup
The good news? Hillsborough will recycle your tree for you: all you have to do is bring it out to the curb for your neighborhood’s usual pick-up day.
In St. Pete, residents should put their tree — sans ornaments, tinsel, and other decorations — where your trash is normally picked up by Saturday, Jan. 11. A note: The City will pick up the tree by Friday, Feb. 10.
Pinellas County also offers pickup options. Just use the county’s search tool to find an option near you.
Drop it off yourself
Maybe you just can’t wait for curbside pickup — or want to hold onto your celebration a little longer. Drop the tree off yourself at one of Hillsborough County’s solid waste centers (8001 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa or 13000 US Hwy. 41 S., Gibsonton), Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex (3095 114th Ave. N., St. Petersburg), or one of the Pinellas’ other locations.
Be sure to properly secure the tree to your car if you opt for this route. Bonus: Your holiday boxes, tissue paper, and non-foil-lined gift wrap can be dropped off at these same recycling centers.
Natural feeders
Give back to Mother Nature by making a natural bird feeder. Get creative with edible ornaments (think: orange-apple garlands and peanut butter pine cones), then set the tree out for birds to eat + take shelter. If your property includes a pond or lake, you can toss in the tree to make a natural reef, giving local fish a home.
Make your own mulch
When you take a tree to a recycling center they turn it into mulch anyway. So, why not use it for your own yard + spring garden? Ideally, you could shred the tree (for example, Home Depot has mulchers for rent), but usually by the time the holidays are over, the needles will already be falling off. You can spread them in garden beds or over the lawn.
