Tree Trash: How to Responsibly Dispose of Your Christmas Tree

The celebrations were fun. But now they're over for another year, and that pine-scented presence in your house lingers on and on. Why not turn your tree into the gift that keeps on giving?

If you have a back yard or even a balcony, you might consider taking off all decorations and leaving the tree for neighborhood birds to munch on.

That's not a possibility? Well, there are several Chicago recycling stations offering mulching services now through January 16. Just drop off your tree. The City takes care of the rest by running your tree through a wood chipper and offering the chips as bags of mulch (on a limited basis only).

For downtown Chicagoans, the nearest tree recycling location is in Lincoln Park. It's on the east side of Cannon Drive, and just north of Fullerton.

For a complete listing of Christmas tree recycling centers, contact the City at (312) 744-7606.