What to do with your tree now that Christmas is over

Now that Christmas is over, you can keep your tree out of the landfill by recycling it.

Between Dec. 28 and Jan. 15, all Carrs stores in Anchorage, Eagle River and Palmer will accept retired trees at designated drop-off areas – look for barriers in the parking lots.

But before dropping-off trees, all decorations and lights must be removed. The same goes for all plastic bags and tree stands.

Once the trees are free of decorations, they will be turned into wood chips. According to organizers, these chips will be distributed to local schools and nonprofits to help beautify gardens, parks and trails.

Recycling your tree is free of charge if you drop it off yourself. But if you can't physically bring it to a designated drop-off area, Boy Scout Troop 268 will pick it up for a small fee.

Holiday string lights with bulbs can also be recycled at either the

or

during regular business hours.

Organizers add that wreathes will not be accepted because they cannot be recycled.

To schedule a tree pickup with Boy Scout Troop 268, call (907 ) 868-8899.

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