County urges Christmas tree recycling

The presents have been opened, the visitors have long since departed (unless they're from out of state) and the big day has come and gone.

And suddenly, that tree sitting in the middle of the living room just doesn't look as great today. Even with the lights on.

It's time to start making plans to get rid of that real tree, since it's probably starting to dry up and shed more pine needles.

The county is urging people to recycle this year instead of leaving it at the curb for the garbage hauler to take it away to the landfill.

Scott Harper, solid waste services manager, said recycling is more important than ever because space is at a premium at the landfill.

"Just take off the ornaments and tinsel and bring it to us," Harper said.

While many people like to clear their house of the tree and all the holiday trappings right after Christmas, Harper said he typically sees the majority of trees coming into one of the county's three recycling areas after the first of the year.

Homeowners also benefit because they can haul away the mulch and use it in their gardens, flowerbeds and driveways.

Residents can take the trees to any of the county's three waste/convenience stations or directly to the landfill.

Fire officials warn people never to burn their trees in the fireplace or wood stove because they can cause a creosote buildup. If dry, the trees can flare up and start a chimney fire.

Trees will be accepted during normal business hours at the following places: The Northwest Waste Management facility at 14450 Landfill Road in Brooksville, the convenience station at the East Hernando Convenience Station at 33070 State Road 50, or at the West Hernando convenience station at 2525 Osowaw Blvd.

Of course, those with fake trees simply have to fold and box them away until next year.

But the number of people who had real trees this year still outweighs those who prefer artificial.

According to a survey conducted by the National Christmas Tree Association, 70 percent of people planned to display a real tree and only 16.1 percent an artificial one.