Politics & Government

Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle That Tree in Howard County

There are a few ways to responsibly dispose of an old Christmas tree in Howard County.

Gifts have been given and received. The Deck the House contest has ended. Now, what to do with the Christmas tree?

Howard County is offering residents several free ways to recycle their real Christmas trees through its Merry Mulch program, now in its 18th year. 

Through the program, residents can drop their trees off for free at one of ten sites, knowing they will stay out of the landfill and instead be composted and reused as mulch.

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Merry Mulch begins Tuesday, Jan. 3, and runs until Friday, Jan. 20. During that time, residents can drop off their trees at one of the following sites, seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. except at the Alpha Ridge Landfill, which will accept trees Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Drop-off sites:

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  • Elkridge—, 5400 Landing Road 
  • Ellicott City—Small Circuit Court parking lot, upper Court House Drive (just past Ellicott Mills Drive, on the right)
  • Columbia—Cedar Lane Park, 5081 Cedar Lane, Grandfather's Garden Center, 5320 Phelps Luck Drive
  • Clarksville—Kendall Hardware, 12260 Route 108, River Hill Garden Center, 12165 Route 108
  • Highland—Schooley Mill Park, 12975 Hall Shop Road
  • Marriottsville—Alpha Ridge Landfill Wood Waste Area, 2350 Marriottsville Road
  • Savage—Savage Park, 8400 Fair Street
  • Woodbine—Western Regional Park, 14800 Carrs Mill Road

If your residence has curbside yard waste collection, you can also set your tree out during your regular collection day from now until Jan. 20; live trees will not be collected with regular trash pickup.

Trees do not need to be bagged, but they must be free of all decorations and cut into sections that are less than four feet long and less than 40 lbs. Collection times may be any time between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

For residents who like to hold on to the holiday spirit as long as possible, the Alpha Ridge Landfill Wood Waste Area will collect trees into the year, Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Opted for a fake tree this year? You'll have to do the heavy lifting yourself, but it, too, can be reused. Drop it off year-round at the scrap metal area at the Alpha Ridge Landfill. 

Fake trees can also be donated or repurposed to decorate mantles, doorways or any other part of your house. 

Visit GreenYour for more creative ways to reuse a fake Christmas tree. 


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