O, Christmas Tree: How I Want to Recycle Thee

Now that Christmas is over, it's time to start thinking about what to do with your tree.

Instead of kicking it to the curb this year, Oakland County Parks and Recreation invites you to drop off your tree to be recycled at one of 11 park locations participating in the Christmas tree recycling program – including nearby Red Oaks County Park in Madison Heights.

Christmas tree recycling is available today through Jan. 16 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.. Two parks – Independence Oaks and Orion Oaks – will also offer extended tree recycling dates until Jan. 30.

The trees will be processed to make compost and wood chips that will be available to the public free of charge in 2012; please be sure to remove all decorations, including tinsel, from the tree before dropping it off.

In addition, residents who recycle their trees through the program will receive free tree seedlings, which will be available for pick-up in the spring at the Waterford Oaks Greenhouse. If you are interested in receiving a seedling, subscribe online by visiting DestinationOakland.com.