How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA -- Christmas has come and gone, and it's time to start thinking about disposing of that drying-out Christmas tree, city officials said.

The between time between Christmas and New Years is when most Christmas Tree fires happen, fire officials said.

Santa Monica residents are being urged to recycle their trees so they can be turned into mulch and compost. Last year, more than 100,000 trees were collected countywide and the resulting mulch was distributed to residents or used by city/county crews for landscaping.

The first recycling option is to use a city-issued green bin, provided the tree's decorations are removed and it is cut into pieces to fit in the bin. Another option is to place the tree at the curb during collection day.

During Dec. 28 through Jan. 23, the city will collect trees curbside or in the alley depending where your containers are placed for weekly collection. No appointment is necessary, but trees over six feet should be cut in half for easier collection.

--Photo via Shutterstock