Christmas Trees: What to do once the holidays are over.

Don’t let your merry Christmas tree languish in a landfill! We have lots of options for giving that tree new life, as long as you make sure your tree is stripped of anything Mother Nature didn’t install herself.

• No ornaments, tinsel or lights
• No artificial snow of any kind
• No artificial trees
• No bags or other wrapping around trees
• No tree stands; boards used as stands must not be pressure-treated, and nails or screws must be smaller than 1/4-inch diameter

Tree Disposal Options for the 2012-2013 Holiday Season

Curbside Pickup

All of the curbside pick up programs that we know about are now complete, but you can still bring trees to CSWD Drop-Off Centers and the McNeil Wood and Yard Waste Depot.

Drop-Off Options

CSWD Drop-Off Centers: You can bring up to 3 trees to the Essex, Milton, Richmond and South Burlington locations, and unlimited trees to the Williston location through January 31. NOTE: Trees are NOT accepted at the Burlington and Hinesburg locations. There is no charge for trees properly stripped according to the list above. Customers with trees not properly stripped of decorations will be charged $1/foot (in height of tree) for disposal in the landfill — not a happy ending!

McNeil Wood and Yard Waste Depot: (111 Intervale Rd., Burlington; Tue-Fri 8-12; Sat 8-4) Unlimited trees accepted for no charge. All trees must be stripped according to the above list.

All collected or dropped-off trees will be chipped and used as fuel to generate electricity at the McNeil Generating Plant or to fire a wood-drying kiln at a local lumber company.