Now What? How to Get Rid of Your Real (Dead) Christmas Tree in NY State

Christmas is over and if you put up a real tree, chances are it has to go. The needles are probably falling off and making a huge mess. What do you do with that real Christmas tree when you are done with it?

To make sure that dead Christmas trees don't end up in a landfill, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has tips and options for where to dispose of them and help the planet.

Before you are ready to get the Christmas tree out of your home, make sure you remove all of the lights and decorations.

Many cities and towns offer free tree collection or they do a recycling program that turns that once beautiful Christmas tree into compost or mulch. You can usually leave them at the curb. But make sure you check with your Department of Public Works.

Another way is to use your tree as a brush pile for birds. The pile will help provide extra shelter for birds during the cold winter. It will also bring more birds to your yard for better bird watching.

Check with local farms because Christmas trees are food for goats to munch on. They provide vitamin C from their needles.

Some waste companies will pick up your discarded tree curbside and recycle it for you. There may be certain requirements like size so check with your local provider.

Find the recycling center in your area and you can drop it off. Most counties in New York state have free drop-off locations. There usually isn't a charge for this and you can bring a maximum of two trees.

Your local DPW may have a chip-and-shred program for your Christmas tree. They then provide mulch that can be used in your garden.

Some non-profit organizations will pick up your tree for a small donation for the service. There are some Boy Scout Troops that offer this service.

It is very important to note: NEVER burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove.