How to recycle your Christmas tree

Once the gifts are gone, the Christmas tree doesn't hold the same excitement.

Hamilton County residents ready to take their real trees down today - or any day through January - can drop them off at any of the five county recycling centers. Drop-offs may be made at any time of day in a designated space outside the gate (Christmas trees only).

Trees will be used by the Tennessee Department of Wildlife and Forestry Division and the Hamilton County Highway Department.

The Highway Department chips the trees into mulch for walking trails, landscaping and landfill ground cover. County residents may pick up mulch from the chip yard on Standifer Gap Road at no charge.

Household recyclables are accepted at the centers during normal center hours.

LOCATIONS AND HOURS¦ Highway 58 Recycling Center - 5414 Highway 58, 423-326-0992. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.¦ Middle Valley Recycling Center - 1900 Crabtree Road, Hixson, 423-843-9317. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.¦ Red Bank Recycling Center - 4851-B Dayton Blvd., 423-876-2010. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.¦ Sequoyah Recycling Center - 9525 Lovell Road, Soddy-Daisy, 423-842-2391. Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.¦ Standifer Gap Recycling Center - 7625 Standifer Gap Road, 423-855-6125. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

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