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When the Bough Breaks: Christmas Tree Recycling Around Houston
Growing up in my parents' house, the Christmas season began with Advent, not Black Friday, and lasted until January 6 - the celebration of Epiphany. This meant not one ornament, nativity scene, or wreath was removed until the wise men had delivered their gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And the tree - the one "we" (mainly my mother) painstakingly picked out and meticulously decorated - shone brightly with multi-colored lights every night even after we returned to school from winter break. Nowadays, people seem to hang decorations as soon as the Thanksgiving turkey is carved and there are scarcely any vestiges of Christmas to be seen by New Year's Day.
So, whether your traditions include chopping down your own Norman Rockwell-worthy tree or adorning something more akin to Charlie Brown's, when the branches start to brown and that heirloom glass ornament is looking precarious, it's time to un-trim that tree and kick it to the curb - literally. Houston and the surrounding areas offer several ways to recycle your tree after the holidays. Be sure to remove all tinsel, lights, ornaments, stands, etc beforehand (flocked trees are not accepted). And if you need to get rid of holiday string lights, bring them with you when you check out Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo. There is a receptacle near the entrance.
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City of Houston
Christmas tree recycling runs from the end of December through mid-January. Residents have two options: take your tree to one of the 24 drop-off locations around the city or place it curbside on your scheduled Tree Waste day in January. The City of Houston has a webpage where you can input your address and find your scheduled day.
West University Place
The city will be collecting live Christmas trees for recycling between December 26 and January 13. The trees can be placed at the curb on regular trash day. Be sure to check on size requirements and fees for large piles here.
Katy
Live Christmas trees will be picked up by the city on December 29 and 30. Residents must place their trees at the curb by 7 a.m. Check this map to determine whether you live within the city's boundaries.
The Woodlands
Green trees will be picked up as part of regularly scheduled yard waste services. You can also arrange for pickup of flocked trees (not for recycling) by calling 1-800-800-5804 or emailing cssatex@wm.com at least two business days prior to your regular service day.
Sugar Land
Live Christmas trees can be placed curbside on assigned green waste days. Check the city's website for more information.
Brazoria County
Between December 27 and January 19, the Stella Roberts Recycling Center will accept green Christmas trees (without any lights, tinsel, flocking, etc) as part of the Dunes Day Project. The Center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, and will be closed from December 31 to January 2.
Trees can also be taken to Brazoria County Precinct 2 Work Yard at 7315 Corporate Dr, Manvel, during the yard's operating hours, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
For those living in a single-family dwelling within Pearland's city limits, you have the option to set your tree curbside on your green waste day (find your day by your address at this website).
Fort Bend County
Curbside pickup will take place on Thursday, January 5 and January 12. Trees should be placed on the curb before 7 a.m.
Image courtesy of Montgomery County Division of Solid Waste Services, via Flickr
