With Santa's deliveries done and presents unwrapped, families are likely preparing to take down their decorations and toss their real Christmas trees into the trash.
While those who want to throw their trees away can do so, there may still be life in them after the holiday season.
Real Christmas trees are biodegradable and can be "easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes," according to the National Christmas Tree Association. They can be used to make mulch or even feeding areas for fish or birds, according to the association.
Here's a guide to trashing or recycling your Christmas tree.
President and first lady Melania Trump light National Christmas Tree
I want to throw my Christmas tree away. How can I do that?
Per theHome Depot,people who want to throw out their tree should check with their local waste department to get their tree pickup schedules and details on disposing them. Most municipalities host a tree pickup period for a few weeks, starting after New Year's.
Some municipalities also host tree drop-off events, Home Depot said, adding that the company also hosts its own tree collection events. Those interested in dropping their trees off at the Home Depot can call their local store to find out if one is scheduled.
The Home Depot also warned against burning trees in fireplaces or wood stoves. This could lead to chemical buildup that can possibly ignite and cause a house fire.
I want to recycle my Christmas tree instead. What can I use it for?
According to theNational Christmas Tree Association, those wanting to recycle their trees have multiple options.
Many localities offer curbside pickup during the two weeks following Christmas. Tree owners may have to abide by size requirements.
Owners can also take their trees to drop-off recycling centers. According to the association, most counties have free drop-off locations, allowing families to take up to two trees to a drop-off location for free.
Some public works departments also have recycling and mulching programs, so tree owners can contact their local department to find out how to participate. The departments chip and shred the trees, making mulch people can use in their gardens. Some hardware stores such as Home Depot also offer woodchipper rentals for those who want to do it themselves.
Nonprofits are also an option, the association said. Sometimes, these organizations pick up trees.Local Boy Scout troopsmight also offer pickup services if tree owners make small donations, often about $5. Those wanting to work with local Boy Scout troops can visitwww.beascout.scouting.org.
How can Christmas trees be used to help animals and the environment?
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, old Christmas trees can also be beneficial to the environment.
The trees can be used as soil erosion barriers, which prevent materials from being worn away and transported by wind or water, perNational Geographicand the association. The trees are especially helpful for lake and river shoreline stabilization.
In places such as Louisiana, officials have usedChristmas trees to slow down wetland loss. According to the National Wildlife Federation, Christmas tree branches and leaves keep sediment in place, acting as a natural levee. This levee creates "calm pools" behind the trees, allowing aquatic plants to grow more easily.
"The idea was adopted from the Netherlands by Louisiana State University researchers and studies have shown that Christmas tree fences can build up an inch of sediment every two years," according to the Federation.
For animals, the trees also act as:
Fish feeders – Tree owners can sink their trees into private fish ponds, allowing the fish to take refuge and feed.
Bird feeders – Trees placed in the backyard or garden can act as sanctuaries for birds. Tree owners can place fresh orange slices or strung popcorn on the trees to attract the birds. Within a year, the tree branches will become brittle and owners can break the tree apart.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Christmas is over. What should I do with my Christmas tree?
