Here's How Louisvillians Can Get Rid of Those Christmas Trees

Christmas is over, but your Christmas tree is probably still in your living room, dropping increasingly dry needles onto your carpet. When it’s reached the end of its lifespan, there are multiple options for Christmas tree recycling in Louisville.

But which option is right for you?

If you just want to get rid of your tree and you live in the Urban Services District:

Starting today, residents of the Urban Services District (essentially the old City of Louisville) can leave trees on the curb on the regular garbage collection day. Don’t put it in a bag. It’ll be recycled, and your effort is minimal.

If you want a memento from your Christmas tree, and are willing to put a little effort into the process:

Take your tree to either the East District Recycling Center (595 N. Hubbards Lane) or the Southwest Government Center (7219 Dixie Highway). Your tree will be recycled into mulch while you wait. Bring a container to carry the mulch away, spread it on your garden and the spirit of your Christmas tree will live on past the holiday season. Metro Government notes that Christmas-tree mulch is particularly good for acid-loving plants like azaleas and rhododendrons.

If you don’t live in the Urban Services District, want to get rid of your tree but don’t need mulch:

Drop off your tree at either of the above locations, or go to the Waste Reduction Center (636 Meriwether Ave).

If you’re up for a small road trip with your Christmas tree, and want to feed it to the fishes:

Donate your tree to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. They use Christmas trees to create fish and wildlife habitats in lakes around the commonwealth. There are drop-off locations around the state, but the closest to Louisville is in Shelby County. Check out a map here: