Merry Christmas! Now what?

After your real Christmas tree is done with its role as holiday centerpiece,
remember to recycle it via one of many options. (Photo: Kathy Morrison)

After all the revelry comes the question: What to do with the tree?

The city of Sacramento makes Christmas tree recycling relatively easy. Real trees (not the fake kind) are considered green waste and can be added to the street leaf piles out front. Last pick-up is Jan. 26.

Or the tree can be cut up and put into the green waste container. (Make sure the lid can still close.)

Before putting the tree in the street or the waste container, remove any tinsel or other decorations, tree stands, lights or nails. Flocked trees will be accepted.

In addition to tree pick-up, Sacramento offers tree-recycling drop-off locations, specifically for business and residents that don’t get street service. The trees are turned into mulch.

The dates, times and locations for those free drop-off events:

* Sacramento Recycling and Transfer Station, 8491 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento
8 a.m to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Note: This location also accepting trees Dec. 26-Jan. 4, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* SMUD Corporation Yard, 6100 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento
8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4
*North Area Recovery Station, 4450 Roseville Road, North Highlands
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 4 and 5
* Kiefer Landfill, 12701 Kiefer Blvd., Sloughhouse
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 4 and 5
* Elder Creek Recovery and Transfer, 8642 Elder Creek Road, Sacramento
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4

For more details: www.cityofsacramento.org.

- Debbie Arrington