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How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in the Triangle for Eco-Friendly Disposal

Update Recycle Your Christmas Tree: A Simple Guide for the Triangle Area As the festive season wraps up, it’s time to look for ways to say goodbye to your Christmas tree. In the Triangle area, recycling your tree is not just easy, it’s a free service that helps the environment and supports local farms. Each year, dried out Christmas trees become increasingly flammable, so it's essential to dispose of them promptly. Here's your guide on how to recycle your tree effectively within your community. Community Recycling Options Many cities in the Triangle provide curbside pickup for live Christmas trees, making it convenient for residents to dispose of them. Here’s a breakdown of how different towns manage tree recycling: Chapel Hill: Town crews will pick up natural trees and wreaths as part of the regular yard waste schedule. Just ensure all decorations are removed before placing the tree at the curb. Carrboro: Trees and wreaths can be left at the curb for collection on regular yard waste days as long as all decorations are taken off. Cary: Residents should place their trees curbside on collection days or drop them off at the Citizen's Convenience Center. Durham: Free curbside tree pick-up runs from January 2 through February 3. If your tree exceeds six feet, remember to cut it in half! Raleigh: You can leave your tree on the ground for collection on your regular trash pick-up day, but make sure it’s free of any decorations. Unique Ways to Repurpose Your Christmas Tree If you want to give your tree a second life, consider donating it to local farms. Goats and pigs enjoy eating Christmas trees! Several farms in the Triangle, like Goats R Us Cleaning, will happily accept your tree for feed. Additionally, the Pumpkins for Pigs website lists local farms that accept such donations. Bonus Fun: Join Local Bonfires For a fun way to say goodbye to your tree, join the community bonfires at Steel String Brewery at Pluck Farm in Chapel Hill, where you can bring your dried-out tree and enjoy the fire every Saturday evening. It's an excellent opportunity to gather with friends and neighbors while also recycling your tree! Important Reminders Before Recycling As you prepare to recycle your tree, remember: Remove all decorations: Ensure tinsel, lights, and any wire are taken off. Avoid leaving trees in bags: Trees must be accessible and free for recycling. These simple steps will help ensure your recycling experience goes smoothly. Get Ready for Next Year! Before you know it, the holidays will swing around again! Consider how you can include tree recycling as part of your holiday tradition and inspire your friends and family to do the same. It’s not just about discarding; it’s about giving to the community and keeping our environment healthy. Being a part of your local community during this recycling process enhances the connection among neighbors. Let’s make responsible choices not only during the holidays but throughout the year. Celebrate this season of generosity by ensuring your tree has a purpose even after the festivities are over!